For decades, television has influenced family dynamics and cultural norms. Of course, few character roles have been analyzed, critiqued, and scrutinized as much as the role of the mother.
With characters ranging from Lorelai Gilmore to Lucille Bluth, here are eight of the most iconic moms in television history!
Carol Brady
Carol Brady is the type of name you would encounter in everyday life, yet it has become synonymous with the matriarch of The Brady Bunch—a character played by Florence Henderson. The family sitcom aired on ABC from 1969–1974 but only ascended to the apex of its popularity during reruns and spinoffs in the decades that followed.
Clair Huxtable
During The Cosby Show’s eight-season run on the small screen, few characters were as beloved as Clair Huxtable—played by Phylicia Rashad, who has since starred in box-office hits such as Creed and Steel Magnolias. Clair is one of the more complex maternal figures in television history, striking the perfect balance of gracefulness, supportiveness, confidence, and intelligence.
Lorelai Gilmore
Warner Bros.’ Gilmore Girls had an impressive seven-season run, developing a cult following and cementing itself as one of the most enduring dramedies in modern television. One of the protagonists and titular characters, Lorelai Gilmore, is a deeply flawed character whose struggles as a mother stemmed from a troubled upbringing.
Marie Barone
Doris Roberts’ role as Marie Barone in Everybody Loves Raymond was arguably her most memorable performance during an impressive career that spanned seven decades. While passive-aggressive and overly critical of her daughter-in-law, Debra, Marie delivered a bevy of all-time comedic lines—holding her own in a show that featured other comedic legends such as Ray Romano, Brad Garrett, and Peter Boyle.
Lucille Bluth
Jessica Walter’s depiction of Lucille Bluth in the sitcom Arrested Development is often hailed as the show’s standout performance. While Lucille is largely known for her cold attitude toward her children, manipulative scheming, and narcissistic personality, her honesty, intelligence, and insecurities make her one of the show’s most nuanced characters.
Olivia Walton
Depicted by both Michael Learned and Patricia Neal at different times during its nine-year air time, Olivia Walton is the matriarchal figure in The Waltons. As the mother of eight children, Olivia manages to maintain her sweet, nurturing disposition despite the hardships of life during The Great Depression and World War II.
Marion Cunningham
Marion Cunningham, played by Marion Ross, is one of only three characters to be involved in all 11 seasons of the American sitcom Happy Days. Despite fulfilling many of the housewife stereotypes, she developed a reputation as “America’s caregiver” and was beloved by audiences during the show’s run from 1974–1984.
Claire Dunphy
Modern Family’s Claire Dunphy is played by Julie Bowen, who has also appeared in Lost, Happy Gilmore, and other film and television hits. The classic example of a “do-gooder”—an often-bossy, hyper-organized perfectionist—Claire is the mother that many grew up with, making her one of the show’s more relatable characters. Her overbearing personality balances out that of her laid-back husband, Phil, and together, the couple fulfills one of the most common television tropes to a T.
