Important Life Lessons We Learned from Famous '90s TV Dads — from Tony Soprano to Danny Tanner

These iconic sitcom fathers raised generations of television viewers with their own unique and memorable takes on fatherhood

Photo: Getty Images/NBC/Everette Collection

Homer Jay Simpson

The Simpsons. Fox

The Simpsons (1989-present)

The lazy but lovable dad of three, voiced by Dan Castellaneta, is one of television's most iconic dads. While his love of naps and passion for Duff beer may not set the best example for his kids Bart, Lisa and Maggie, the low-level nuclear safety inspector would do anything for them. Sure, he mostly sleeps on the job (d'oh!) and has an unhealthy addiction to pink-frosted doughnuts, but the devoted father and husband to his high school sweetheart, Marge, has taught viewers for decades that no matter how boring or mundane life can be, family can bring you happiness and will always make you feel at home.

Anthony 'Tony' Soprano Sr.

From left: Jamie-Lynn Sigler, James Gandolfini, Edie Falco and Robert Iler on The Sopranos. HBO

The Sopranos (1999-2007)

The de facto boss of the DiMeo crime family ran New Jersey's most powerful criminal organization, while being a husband and father of two. The stress from Soprano's line of work, compounded by family matters, eventually sparked a string of panic attacks that landed him in therapy twice a week. Watching Soprano struggle to resolve his internal conflicts, in and out of therapy, made The Sopranos a cultural phenomenon.

So did he ever become Dad of the Year? Not quite, but maybe that's better — as Soprano famously said on the show, "All due respect, you got no f---ing idea what it's like to be number one."

Frank Lambert

Everett Collection

Step by Step (1991-1998)

After his ex-wife left him and their three kids to pursue a career as a lounge singer, Lambert, played by Patrick Duffy, had no choice but to pick up the pieces on his own. He eventually met a widow named Carol Foster, who also had three kids from a previous marriage, and spontaneously got married, which instantly took his kid count from three to six. Lambert's laid-back character began to develop into a strong father figure as he tried and failed and tried again to make their new blended family work.

The greatest lesson Lambert taught viewers was that family comes in many different forms and as long as you work to build trust, nothing can ever compare to the bond you'll have with each member for life.

Danny Tanner

Everett Collection

Full House (1987-1995)

The widower and quintessential goofy dad, played by Bob Saget, dedicated his life to his three girls: D.J., Stephanie and Michelle. Tanner enlisted his brother-in-law and best friend to help raise his kids, which showcased a different type of on-screen father and family dynamic during the late '80s. Saget brought a sensitivity to his character that inspired many sweet father-daughter moments on the show. His character proved that fathers don't have to be portrayed as stoic, strict authoritarians.

The dad of three led with love and proved that fathers can be emotional and still be revered as the head of a household. Tanner broke down barriers for single dads out there who equally loved sports and a spotless kitchen.

Charles Norbert "Chaz" Finster Sr.

verett Collection

Rutgrats (1991-2004)

The timid, redheaded widower with serious asthma made his Rutgrats debut as a single father, who was constantly worried about his only child, Chuckie. Finster, voiced by Michael Bell, would often seek out parenting advice from trusted child psychologist Dr. Lipschitz to ease his worries, but the calm never lasted very long.

One of his breakthrough moments as a father came during the show's Mother's Day episode, in which Finster shares the story of how Chuckie's mom, Melinda, died a few months after he was born. The moment brought closure to Chuckie, who genuinely thought he never had a mother, and brought peace to Finster, who was terrified that Chuckie would miss her as much as he had since she passed. The touching episode provided an example of how fathers and kids can learn to grieve together as a form of healing and how being open and honest about your fears and feelings can bring you even closer as a family.

Carl Winslow

ABC Photo Archives/Getty Images

Family Matters (1989-1998)

The hardworking, humble captain of the Chicago Police Department, played by Reginald VelJohnson, took a lot of pride in being able to protect and provide for his family of three. Winslow reveled in being the man of the house, which could cause conflict with his wife Harriett, kids and pesky uninivited neighbor Steve Urkel.

But through it all, the sitcom star showed that being a father isn't just about enforcing rules and order — it's about letting your guard down around your family so everyone can feel connected, loved and protected from within.

Tim Taylor

Home Improvement. ABC Photo Archives/Getty Images

Home Improvement (1991-1999)

It's not easy raising three boys — just ask Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor. The macho father to sons Brad, Randy and Mark, with long-suffering wife Jill, was obsessed with building things and tinkering with household applicances.

Although most of his creations would hilariously backfire on him, Taylor, who was played by Tim Allen, always tried to use his passion for cars and tools to bond with his boys. The back and forth between trying to get his kids to like and respect his craft and accepting that his boys were each, very different individuals, brought a lot of conflict on the show, but ultimately taught a very valuable lesson: Accepting your kids as who they are is the first step to getting closer to them.

John 'Jack' Arnold

The Wonder Years. ABC Photo Archives/Getty Images

The Wonder Years (1988-1993)

The man of few words, played by Dan Lauria, grew up during the Great Depression and was a Korean War veteran. The father of three represented the last of the "greatest generation" — folks who came of age during World War II and were resistant to the cultural changes that were going on during the '60s. Fans may remember Arnold as distant and sometimes cold to his children, but he deeply loved his family. His character represented the type of father who, for better or for worse, loved his family the only way he knew how — by providing a stable home and keeping food on the table.

Philip Banks

Chris Haston/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996)

Banks, a successful judge, raised his family of four in the affluent Bel-Air neighborhood of Los Angeles. He was a strict father with an eye on improving his children's futures; however, Banks was faced with his greatest parenting challenge when his nephew Will arrived at his door.

The two comically butted heads throughout the entire series but in the end, Banks became a genuine father-figure and brought structure and stability to Will's life when he needed it the most. The proud Princeton man and caring father showed that leading by example can transform the lives of not only your biological children, but also the life of any child who needs love and direction.