In the realm of classic television, few couples have left as lasting an impression as Archie and Edith Bunker from “All in the Family.” As we dive into the notable sitcom duos of the 1970s, it’s clear that their unique blend of humor and heart earned them the top spot in any discussion of iconic television couples.
- The Classic Couples of the ’70s
The 1970s was a golden era for sitcoms, marked by unforgettable husband-and-wife pairs who anchored their shows with both comedic brilliance and emotional depth. Here’s a look at the couples I consider most deserving of accolades, along with a few honorable mentions:
- Gold Medal: Archie and Edith Bunker (Carroll O’Connor and Jean Stapleton) from “All in the Family.” This pairing was an obvious choice, given their remarkable chemistry and the show’s ability to tackle societal issues with humor. One of Archie’s memorable quotes, “God can do anything! He can turn your jawbone into an ass,” perfectly captures the character’s blunt wit and the show’s irreverent spirit.
- Silver Medal: Bob and Emily Hartley (Bob Newhart and Suzanne Pleshette) from “The Bob Newhart Show.” Their humor was often subtle yet deeply resonant, with Bob’s insightful line: “Stammering is different than stuttering. Stutterers have trouble with the letters, while stammerers trip over entire parts of a sentence.” This highlights the couple’s clever and relatable dynamic.
- Bronze Medal: George and Louise Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley and Isabel Sanford) from “The Jeffersons.” George’s unapologetic personality brought a vibrant energy to the show, as illustrated by his quip: “Why don’t you take off your belt? I love the sound your belly makes when it hits the floor.”
- Very Honorable Mention: Jessica and Chester Tate (Robert Mandan and Katherine Helmond) from “Soap.” Their delightful antics contributed to the show’s critical acclaim, with Helmond delivering particularly memorable performances.
- Honorable Mention: Howard and Marion Cunningham (Tom Bosley and Marion Ross) from “Happy Days.” This couple provided the perfect balance to their children’s adventures and antics, helping ground the show with their relatable wisdom.
- Upcoming Induction Ceremony
Music lovers should mark their calendars for September 17, when the Illinois Rock and Roll Museum will host its third annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. This year’s inductees include:
- Earth, Wind and Fire: Renowned for their eclectic mix of genres, they remain one of the best-selling music artists with over 90 million albums sold worldwide.
- The Cryan’ Shames: This garage rock band has its roots in Hinsdale and is remembered for its catchy hits.
- The Shadows of Knight: A Chicago-based group that brought a unique sound to the era, blending influences from bands like the Rolling Stones and the Yardbirds.
- Nat King Cole: Known for his smooth vocals and timeless hits like “Unforgettable,” Cole is considered one of the most iconic figures in music history.
- Miles Davis: An influential jazz musician whose work reshaped the genre and continues to inspire today.
The Hall of Fame inductees are chosen based on votes from charter members of the Illinois Rock and Roll Museum, celebrating the rich musical legacy of the region.
- This Week’s Humor from Social Media
Here are some of the best quips I found on Facebook this week:- “Hamburger Helper only works if the hamburger is ready to accept it needs help.”
- “Don’t tell me about your childhood problems. I was forced to watch Lawrence Welk as a kid.”
- “If you don’t know where you are going, you might wind up some place else.” — Yogi Berra.
- “You think you know stress? When I was growing up, if you missed a TV show, you just missed it. Forever.”
- “Cougar in area: Please stay on trails, travel in small groups, and do not allow men under 30 to travel alone.”
Steve Thought O’ The Day: If Nat King Cole were alive today, his timeless talent would still captivate audiences. Even after his untimely passing at age 45 in 1965, his music remains a beloved part of our cultural landscape.
