tneditor@tnonline.com

Growing up, we all watched our share of TV fathers, who likely affected our lives without us realizing it. Their lessons and lectures were ones that we either reveled in or reckoned with.

Over time, TV fathers have stayed with the parameters of how life was perceived in their decade, and there has been a wide and long gamut of various personalities from the 1950s’ until the present.

When we reached fatherhood, we started to reminisce on how either Mike Brady, Andy Taylor, and Howard Cunningham would handle a situation based on their reaction to an issue or a problem. If you’re a child of the ‘60 or ‘70s, they were hallmarks.

If a father was depicted well on TV, it became an instant blueprint for our potential actions to a situation. It really came down to being levelheaded and fair.

From the beginnings of television in the 1950s through the early 197o, the father figure was always shown as the one who would guide his family with the qualities and daily doses of unconditional love, humor, adaptability, tough love, and guidance.

“Leave It To Beaver’s” Ward Cleaver (Hugh Beaumont) truly epitomized the above mentioned qualities and was regarded in many circles as the premier TV father archetype from the late ‘50 and early ‘60. Cleaver displayed binding patience, guidance, and understanding, as he directed Beaver and Wally through challenges with a life lesson.

You may have an argument with Jim Anderson of “Father Knows Best.” Like Cleaver, Anderson exhibited a sense of calmness and forbearance for children Betty, Bud, and Kathy. I’m sure some of you recall Ozzie Nelson.

They were both the stereotypical fathers from middle-class households in those decades, who could solve any problem and provide a sense of security for their families. There also was Stephen Douglas from “My Three Sons,” who was introduced into a groundbreaking situation as a widowed father with three sons and a male housekeeper.

Cunningham always was a favorite of mine and, along with Cleaver and Anderson, he was the quintessential dad of the same period. He was the backbone of his family, and he got Richie and Joanie to understand his values and morals by often participating with them on their levels. Remember the Life Savers’ commercial from that time period?

Taylor also provided a different spin with a laid-back, country twist, but he still had a strong moral compass. The other twist was the monster theme of the ‘60s with Herman Munster and Gomez Addams, who stayed the course on a different road.

Archie Bunker and Fred Sanford presented a new approach when TV fully opened a liberal window. Despite their presumed nature, they were true to their family values.

From there, we were exposed to a myriad of fathers who embraced the changes in our lifestyles while continuing to embrace the fundamental truths of their predecessors. Don’t forget the comedic Al Bundy, who did his best to keep a family bond.

My recent favorite was Frank Reagan — from “Blue Bloods” in case you didn’t know — who wove his staunch righteous stance as New York’s police commissioner into his family’s fabric. The show reinforced that with the grandfather Frank and great-grandad Henry at the usual closing scene dinner table.

What’s the point? TV fathers have reminded us about the importance of fatherhood, and the role that it has played in shaping the American family. Yes, some of you may not have had a father in your life, but there was the uncle, family friend, coach, or teacher that filled the void.

Father’s Day is a celebration of remembrance and recognition. Whether your father has passed or is alive, celebrate the day with him.