These days we’re all about being Gladiators and game changers thanks to characters like Olivia Pope, Annalise Keating and Mary Jane Paul. But back in the day, these 10 TV character archetypes ran the show, literally, and every Black girl loved them — for better or worse.
Source: Carsey-Werner Productions
The Drama Queen
Whitley Gilbert was “A Different World’s” resident drama queen. The Southern Bell was used to having her way and when she didn’t get it, she threw a hissy fit. In true dramatic fashion, Whitley walked down the aisle set to marry one guy only to say, “I do” to another man. We may have rolled our eyes at her whenever she threw a tantrum but Whitley tapped into the drama queen in all of us.
WENN
The Working Gal
Joan Clayton was definitely the working gal on “Girlfriends.” We loved how driven and devoted she was, even if that success came at a personal cost. Joan may have struggled in the love department but who hasn’t? And besides, she was killing it as a high-powered attorney and we respected her hustle.
The Hustler
Love MadameNoire? Get more! Join the MadameNoire Newsletter
We care about your data. See our privacy policy.
Speaking of hustlers, no one had a slicker tongue than “The Game’s” Tasha Mack. Blessed with the gift of gab, Tasha was a born saleswoman and was the perfect person to represent her football-playing son Malik in a sea on blood hungry sharks. Tasha kept us in stitches but we knew that underneath that tough shell was a vulnerable woman inside and that is something we all could relate to.
Source: Tandem Productions
The Supportive Housewife
Despite the temporary layoffs and easy credit rip-offs, Florida Evans was the glue that held the family together on “Good Times.” Evans became a symbol of the struggling working class, the prideful wife and mother who gave her husband undying support even when he came home defeated and dejected. She was the backbone of the family and was always able to make a hot meal out of nothing, a skill we all respected.
WENN
The Bestie
Every woman needs a best friend; that ride or die chick who knows all of our deepest, darkest secrets and is a true partner in crime. For Moesha, her bestie was boy crazy Kim Parker, played by Countess Vaughn. We loved Kim so much she landed her own spin-off show. Vaughn starred alongside Mo’Nique in the popular sitcom “The Parkers.”
Source: Disney-ABC Domestic Television
The Drill Sergeant
No one whipped the residents of Seattle Grace Hospital into shape quite like Miranda Bailey on “Grey’s Anatomy.” Nicknamed “The Nazi” because of her tough attitude and blunt approach, Bailey was feared by everyone but that fear helped mold and shape the residents into first-rate surgeons. Bailey would rather be respected than loved but her fierce professionalism and devotion to the residents and the patients made us love her even more.
WENN
The Diva
When “227’s” Sandra Clark marched up and down the halls click-clacking in her high heels, she knew she had it going on. It didn’t bother her that she lived in a one-bedroom apartment or that she worked as a flight attendant; in her mind she was a diva and she carried herself as such. Sandra was as sultry as she was sassy and she helped channel the inner diva in us all.
WENN
The Motherly Figure
Perhaps there’s no other motherly character on television that’s loved as much as “The Cosby Show’s” Clair Huxtable. She worked hard at her job as a lawyer but she still had all the time in the world for her five children. We felt her love through the television set and whenever she comforted one of her children with her soothing voice, we felt at ease, too. No wonder she’s been named the best TV mom of all time.
Source: Fox
The Loyal Girlfriend
Gina Waters was the fiercely faithful and always forgiving girlfriend to Martin Payne on “Martin.” Not only was she devoted to her man but she was a working woman, too. She didn’t want her local celebrity boyfriend taking care of her. Gina kept her own apartment and didn’t move in with Martin until he put a ring on it.
WENN
The Lovable Airhead
“Living Single’s” Synclaire James may not have been the smartest one out of the bunch but what she lacked in smarts, she made up with in love and kindness. No one cared about her friends and family more than Synclaire. Who could forget her signature line whenever she went to comfort someone: “Whoo, whoo, whoo.” Sure, sometimes Synclaire said something so stupid, you had no choice but to shake your head but her childlike innocence was refreshing.
