Memorable TV dads from yesteryear

For as long as television has been around, there have been television dads who showcased their greatest feats and faux pas for all the viewing public to see. No Father's Day would be complete without tipping a cap to the memorable TV dads who have served as father figures to many.

Steve Douglas - "My Three Sons": One of the longer-running situation comedies of the era, the show about a widower raising three sons aired from 1960 to 1972. In an era when single fatherhood wasn't publicized, Douglas showed viewers how this father could step up to the plate as a single dad and do a good job at maintaining a stable household.

Frank Costanza - "Seinfeld": The show about nothing gave birth to one of television's most memorable supporting players. Frank Costanza was the outspoken, boarish and overly serious father to Jerry's friend George. Eternally high-strung, Frank yelled more than he spoke and routinely butted heads with equally dysfunctional wife Estelle. Fans of Frank Costanza may have enjoyed a similarly quirky character in Arthur Spooner (also played by Jerry Stiller) on "The King of Queens."

Mike Brady - "The Brady Bunch": It takes quite a man to be the father to three biological sons and three adopted daughters, but architect Mike Brady manages to pull it off. Never short of fatherly advice and time for quiet moments with the wife, Brady is a master at balancing work and family.

Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable - "The Cosby Show": In one of the first primetime shows to address upscale African-Americans, Cliff Huxtable was the lovable dad who reared his five kids with witty one-liners. With the comic genius of Bill Cosby behind the success of the show, and the endearing nature of Huxtable, it's no wonder the show lasted for eight seasons.

Homer Simpson - "The Simpsons": There are certainly the Jim Anderson's of the "Father Knows Best" variety of TV dads, but Homer tips the dad scale entirely in the other direction. Lazy, gluttonous and often half-witted, it's a wonder Homer was able to hold down a job to care for his family. But at the crux of this underachiever was a heart of gold ... or doughnuts. You decide.

Ray Barrone - "Everybody Loves Raymond": "Newsday" sportswriter and dad to twin boys and a daughter, Ray's biggest feat was being able to head his family unit despite the interference of his parents -- who lived right across the street. Ray was an everyman who navigated his wife's mood swings and family stress with not nearly as much finesse as he showed on the golf course.

Archie Bunker - "All in the Family": Loud, bigoted and conservative, Archie was the complete opposite of his liberal daughter and her "Meathead" husband. Archie's commentary may have been offensive and controversial -- especially in the time in which the sitcom aired -- but viewers could tell he had his family's best interests at heart.

Tony Soprano - "The Sopranos": What's a better ally for a son or daughter than a dad who's other family is a criminal organization? Tony may not have many redeemable qualities, but he did his best to keep the family together amid the pressure cooker that was his life of crime.

Steve Keaton - "Family Ties": It's hard being a former hippie and raising a conservative, Ronald Reagan-loving son. Together with his wife, Keaton did a good job at tackling the tough questions of the 1980s.

Al Bundy - "Married With Children": Al Bundy served as a role model to all dads out there, showing the world what NOT to do. Faced with a lousy job, bumbling wife, airhead daughter, and underachiever son, the only thing Al had to look forward to at home was a comfortable couch.

Charles Ingalls - "Little House on the Prarie": A hard-working frontiersman, Charles was soft-spoken and always put the needs of his family first. Ingalls showed all dads what it was to be the rock of the family, especially when modern conveniences like running water and cable TV sports were yet to be invented.