For whatever reason, the name Chuck has turned out to be very popular this year. On TV, Pushing Daisies has a major character named Chuck and, of course, there's the new series Chuck. in the theaters, Chuck and Larry were happily married and Dane Cook was a Chuck with extraordinary luck. All these Chuck's got me thinking (not to mention craving a hamburger) some of the greatest people on television have been named Chuck. Here are a few.
Chuck Cunningham (Happy Days)
When the Cunningham family first made their appearance, Chuck was clearly the funniest part of the family. Unfortunately as the show progressed, it became clear that there simply wasn't enough room for Chuck in the house or on the series. Chuck Cunningham lives on, however, as the most famous forgotten character of all time.
Chuck Barris (The Gong Show)
Regardless of what you may think about his career or his colorful biography, it cannot be denied that Chuck Barris left an indelible mark on the landscape of TV gameshows. The Gong Show, The Newlywed Game, and The Dating Game are some of his more famous works and, for better or worse, shows like The Bachelor and America's Got Talent owe a debt to Chuckie baby.
Chuck Campbell (Soap)
The human half of the funniest ventriloquism duo on TV, Chuck Campbell was unashamed of his reliance on his dummy, Bob. Chuck was the only regular cast member on Soap to never be featured in his own storyline. Was he insane or was he just really committed to his craft? We never found out and that was probably for the best.
Ensign Charles "Chuck" Parker (McHale's Navy)
Tim Conway will probably be best remembered for his years on The Carol Burnett Show but you owe it to yourself to watch his early work alongside Ernie Borgnine and Joe Flynn. It is a pleasure to watch Conway stand out in what is one of the best ensemble sitcoms of all time.
Chuck Jones (Looney Toons)
While he never appeared onscreen, Chuck Jones had to be on this list. Mr. Jones is responsible for one of the most recognized and well-loved collection of cartoons in the world. Not a generation goes by that doesn't find a fan of his work.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
10-12-2007 @ 10:51AM
Danny Edwards said...
What about Charlie Brown?
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10-12-2007 @ 11:04AM
Liz Newcomb said...
Don't forget Chuck (Charlotte) from "Pushing Daisies"! She's clearly the prettiest Chuck on TV.
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10-12-2007 @ 11:31AM
jun said...
Don't forget all the chucks (Converse hi-tops) on TV, too! The leads of Chuck, Reaper, and Pushing Daisies all wear them. I think they've become a badge of geekdom, thanks in part to David Tennant as Doctor Who.
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10-12-2007 @ 1:18PM
sitruc said...
I definitely was surprised to not see Chuck Norris. I know he doesn't go by Chuck on his shows, but he did get credits for his shows and his commercial appeal now is as Chuck Norris. IMDB even says he was himself for Happy Birthday, Bugs!: 50 Looney Years back in 1990....
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10-12-2007 @ 1:19PM
Tess Capra said...
Chuck is also the name of the uber-prick in *Gossip Girl.* I never really remember character names, but his is so ill-fitting his rich privileged kid persona. He is a "Charles" (said with a sneering upper lip while peering down one's nose at the servants) if ever there were one.
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10-12-2007 @ 1:31PM
Sam McConnell said...
Actually, on Soap Benson never had a plotline. In fact the only story line he was even remotely a part of he was removed from half way thorugh to star in his own show.
Also, Mary doesn't really have plot lines. . . she just has to respond to Burt and Jessica going insain half the time.
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10-12-2007 @ 2:20PM
Dave said...
AAARRRGGHH. Numbered lists on a blog! Please stop, although it is better than a long recap of a show. You know, a recap that anyone who saw the show wouldn't read because they saw it, anyone who wanted to watch the show wouldn't read to avoid having it spoiled and anyone who doesn't care about the show wouldn't read?
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10-12-2007 @ 5:06PM
Chester said...
Chuck Cunningham went up the stairs one episode and never came down!!!
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10-12-2007 @ 5:13PM
Brian said...
Dave's tantrum makes me want to up-Chuck. No one who hates numbered lists on a blog would bother to read such a list, let alone comment on one, would they?
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10-12-2007 @ 6:47PM
jun said...
I read the recaps of stuff I've seen. Particularly since they're making more of a move toward review vs. recap.
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10-13-2007 @ 12:19AM
Chuck said...
Chuck Connors, The Rifleman. I can't see including Chuck Jones, he was never on TV except in some interview or something like that.
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10-13-2007 @ 5:00AM
KenMo said...
...and don't forget those great Chuck Wagon commercials from years (decades) ago where the dog is chasing the little horse-drawn chuck wagon around the house.
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10-24-2007 @ 11:16AM
Gerry said...
I was just saying to the wife last night, there are so many Chuch's this year on tv. And here's the funny one (not mentioned above) - Kelsey Grammar's character on Back to You - Chuck Darling. BOTH names being used in separate new shows this season - Chuck (from various shows), and Darling (from Dirty Sexy Money).
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