16 Of The Most Iconic Black Dads From TV And Movies

First things first: rest in peace Uncle Phil.

1. Michael Kyle from My Wife and Kids

ABC

He may be a child at heart but Michael Kyle is up there with some of the greatest TV dads. He had some very questionable ways of disciplining his kids, but he made sure to teach them life's most valuable lessons along the way. Say what you like about Michael, but he would do just about anything for his children. 

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2. Julius from Everybody Hates Chris

CBS Television Distribution

Julius was an excellent parent who worked several jobs to support his wife and kids. Even though he had some extremely inconvenient ways of trying to save money and threatened a whopping here and there, he deserves a mention. This frugal king was also a caring and devoted father and that’s why we love him. 

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3. Captain Dickson from 22 Jump Street

Sony Pictures Releasing / Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Captain Dickson wanted nothing but the absolute best for his daughter and was willing to go above and beyond to make sure she got it. Sure, he was a little too invested in her love life at times but his heart was in the right place. This protective father also has the most iconic screw face in history – if that won’t keep you on the straight and narrow, I don’t know what will. 

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4. Furious Styles from Boyz n The Hood

Columbia Pictures

Furious Styles is loving, responsible, and does everything within his power to keep his son safe. He also never shied away from difficult conversations with his son, including those about racial profiling, gentrification, violence, parenthood, and practising safe sex. Truth be told, he's everything a father should be.

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5. Oscar Proud from The Proud Family

Disney Channel

Oscar Proud would do pretty much anything to support his family. Yes, he was a little overbearing and definitely embarrassed Penny from time to time, but he always showed up when it mattered the most. This cartoon dad is as relatable as they come. 

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6. Richard Webber from Grey’s Anatomy

Buena Vista Television / Disney–ABC Domestic Television

There is simply no discussion of Black TV dads without mentioning Richard Webber – a guy who discovered that his colleague was also his biological daughter. While it took him a minute to wrap his head around the fact that Ellis Grey had his child and failed to mention it to him, he grew into a wonderful dad. I can’t say I was all that surprised though – he’s pretty much a father to everyone in that hospital.

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7. Chris Gardner from The Pursuit of Happyness

Sony Pictures Releasing

Chris Gardner proved that even at the worst of times, it’s still possible to be a great parent. When all hope seemed lost, this dad never stopped striving for a better life for his son, and after many painful months of being at rock bottom, he eventually succeeded. What’s more, this movie is based on a true story and Chris Gardner is a real-life father! He’s one-of-a-kind and is a hero in my eyes. 

8. Roy Campbell from Sister Sister

Disney Channel

Ray Campbell deserves all the flowers. After his wife died, he adopted Tamera and raised her as a single parent. And when he later found out that she was a twin, he invited Tia and her mum to move in so the girls could grow up together! He was a dignified dad, and a great one at that. 

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9. Maverick Carter from The Hate U Give

20th Century Fox

Maverick made sure to equip his daughter with all the tools she would need to navigate the world as a young Black girl. He was unapologetically Black and helped Starr to see the beauty in where she came from. When she saw her best friend get brutally killed by a police officer, Big Mav was there to support her in every way she needed. He’s one of those fathers who somehow always knows just the right thing to say and he must be protected at all costs. 

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10. Cleveland Brown from The Cleveland Show

Fox

He may not have been the best husband but Cleveland Brown was a fantastic father. He absolutely adored his kids, had their best interests at heart, and was the voice of reason for the family. While Cleveland was actually voiced by a white actor, this Black TV dad still deserves an honorable mention. As far as cartoon dads go, Cleveland is up there with some of the best.

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11. Juan from Moonlight

A24

Juan proved that you don’t have to be the biological father to be the best dad a child has. In a series of unfortunate events, he ends up saving Chiron’s life and later decides to take him under his wing. Even though Juan is struggling in many ways himself, he focuses his energy on giving him the best chance in the harsh world they live in. He was nurturing, dependable, and exactly what Chiron needed. 

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12. Andre Johnson from Black-ish

ABC

Andre is a very realistic and relatable dad. He's flawed and often makes mistakes but he always tries to learn from his errors. He's a bit overbearing, definitely plays favourites, and let’s be honest: he probably wouldn’t win the father of the year award, but he never stops trying to better himself. As a wise woman once said – “Nobody’s perfect”. 

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13. Charlie from Daddy Day Care

Sony Pictures Releasing

Over the course of the movie, we watch Charlie grow from a preoccupied workaholic to a doting father. Once he bonds with his son, his priorities change and he ends up becoming a full-time daycare provider just so he can spend more time with his son. It’s the character development for me.

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14. Victor Baxter from That’s So Raven

Disney Channel

Victor Baxter was just as goofy and fun-loving as his kids, but he was also an incredible parent. He always encouraged Raven and Cory to spread their wings and he really couldn’t have been any more supportive if he tried.

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15. Mufasa from The Lion King

Buena Vista Pictures

Mufasa tried to protect Simba at all costs and even gave his own life to keep him safe – I know it’s the circle of life and everything but I’m still not over it. Before that tragic day, he made sure to teach Simba about the law of the land and impart some pearls of wisdom. He even reached out to Simba from beyond the grave – that’s dad goals if you ask me. 

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16. And last but certainly not least, Uncle Phil from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

NBC

He was a devoted dad to his three children and a much-needed father figure to his nephew Will. He raised Will as his own and helped him become a man. Although strict at times, Uncle Phil was a pillar of strength, support, and comfort for everyone around him. He is without a doubt the greatest dad in television history, end of story.

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