The funniest fathers in sitcom

Fathers can provide some of the best funnies on television.

In the real world, fathers are strict, stern guardians. The typical dad wants his son to succeed in sports and his daughter to avoid boys.

And while fatherly values are prevalent throughout many sitcoms -- both past and present -- the dominant males also have an innocence about them. TV dads are the funniest when they are sincere, honest and display a boy-like attitude in all facets of adulthood. Most of the time, these notations show stupidity, but capitalize on humor.


Phil Dunphy of ABC's Modern Family is the funniest father on television today.

He is hilarious because he resembles a father of a modern family: trying to stay hip with his children, impressing his wife at all costs and not thinking about the repercussions of his actions.



Full episodes of Modern Family can be watched at ABC.com

Who are your favorite funny fathers? Do you agree with this list? Let your voice be heard in the comment section.

Here are some of my other favorite TV dads:

Homer Simpson ("The Simpsons")

Bill Cosby ("The Cosby Show")

Frank Costanza ("Seinfeld")

Martin Crane ("Frasier")

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Seinfeld Breaks the Bank Yet Again

It's safe to say the majority of comics performing in Northwest Ohio aren't rich.

But most of them are OK with that.

Northwest Ohio-based comedians are entertainers because they truly love comedy.

They don't get on stage purely for money. Venues such as Grumpy Dave's Pub, Connxtions and Fat Fish Blue don't have the capabilities or resources to bring in A-list comedians.

In exchange for money, these venues offer a stage and a headlining vacany local comedians can take advantage of. If the joke is funny, people will still laugh no matter whose mouth it comes out of.

Nevertheless, comedy is a multi-billion dollar industry.

I was stunned to find out 2009's top-earning comedian after listening to a KISS FM radio telecast on Tuesday.

It was none other than Jerry Seinfeld.

Shut up.

No Elaine. You shut up.

Seinfeld raked in $85 million in 2009, according to a Forbes Celebrity Valuation study.

This is impressive, considering Seinfeld has few credits to his name since his mega-popular, self-titled sitcom ended 12 years ago.

Celebrity comedians/actors earn the bulk of their income through syndication (i.e. re-runs) and DVD Sales. Seinfeld also earns millions of dollars because he co-created, produced and wrote episodes for his self-titled sitcom.

Seinfeld has consistently been comedy's top earner each year since his show was in its prime during the mid 1990s.

How rich is Jerry? Well, by my estimations, he could pick up Cosmo Kramer's lunch bill everyday for the next 40 years while leaving a 15 percent tip -- all while still living the luxurious life.

It's safe to say Seinfeld will never have to pick up another script or tell a Superman joke for the rest of his life. He is financially set.

Combined, the top-10 comedic earners of 2009 earned $256 million from June 1, 2008 through June 1, 2009

Here is a breakdown of all other comedians --none of which scheduled to perform at any northwest Ohio venue anytime soon -- that topped Forbes' list:

2.Chris Rock ($42 million)
3.Jeff Dunham ($30 million)
4. Dane Cook ($20 million)
4. George Lopez ($20 million)
6. Howie Mandel ($15 million)
7.Larry the Cable Guy ($13 million)
8.Jeff Foxworthy ($11 million)
9.Terry Fator ($10 million)
9. Russell Peters ($10 million)

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