Who are your top TV icons?

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lisa Wed, Dec 26, 2007 at 03:37 AM EST

We could debate this back and forth until the cows come home, but 2 people immediately came to mind as either not being high enough on the list or omitted altogether. First, betty white should have been WAY higher than 56, like in the top 10. And second, I was absolutely STUNNED that the late great elizabeth montgomery was not even in the top 100!! It is sad that not only she died so young but that she has strangely been all but forgotten. Not only was she the smartest brightest thing of bewitched, but she was THE pioneer of women starring in television movies, and hers were actually GOOD. Far too many "recent" icons on this list (I know EW is obsessed with buffy, but come on!) I guess it was a ratings ploy - more people wld watch if they saw names they were familiar with.

But I am glad they put johnny above lucy.

Paula Lane Sat, Nov 17, 2007 at 10:56 PM EST

Why wasn't Jack Benny listed at all? He, in my opinion, had to have been the funniest comedians of all time on TV. Some of people listed will never have the longevity that Jack Benny has.

Glenn Evans Wed, Nov 14, 2007 at 03:54 PM EST

Even if you were NOT a 'Lucy' fan, one would be in major denial by not recognizing her boundless, uncomparable talent as being number ONE in all categories...but we should not forget Desi Arnaz either. Lucy certainly did not fail to give him credit, and he WAS integral to iconic tv history overall.

Glenn Evans Wed, Nov 14, 2007 at 03:54 PM EST

Even if you were NOT a 'Lucy' fan, one would be in major denial by not recognizing her boundless, uncomparable talent as being number ONE in all categories...but we should not forget Desi Arnaz either. Lucy certainly did not fail to give him credit, and he WAS integral to iconic tv history overall.

alexandra Tue, Nov 13, 2007 at 06:31 PM EST

I agree with most of your choices, but what about... Dean Martin
Hawkeye Pierce & M.A.S.H cast
Archie Bunker
Chico( Freddie Prinz)
Just a few more to concider.

Karin Murry Mon, Nov 12, 2007 at 12:33 PM EST

Larry Hagman, Mary Tyler Moore, Andy Griffith, James Arness, Ed Sullivan, Alan Alda, Jackie Gleason,Johnny Carson, Jay Leno and of course, Lucille Ball

Samantha Fairchild Mon, Nov 12, 2007 at 01:01 AM EST

I can think of two that I really worship:
-Lucy! No matter what my mood is, her show always makes me happy. The definitive physical comedian.

-Jennifer Garner as Sydney Bristow in Alias. One of the strongest female characters in the history of television.

Silv Fri, Nov 9, 2007 at 09:00 AM EST

True icons: Johnny Carson, Dick Clark, Carol Burnett, and even tho I don't care for her, I must acknowledge the talent that was Lucille Ball. They are head & shoulders above the rest. Afterwards - you can just fill in the blank with your faves.

jm Thu, Nov 1, 2007 at 08:33 PM EST

TV Icons are larger than life. I would have to pick Lucille Ball, Bill Cosby, Michael Landon & Melissa Gilbert, 'Charlie's Angels', Jackie Gleason, Milton Berle & Carol Burnett.

Mel Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 02:20 PM EST

I am going to have to say Lauren Graham. Though 'Gilmore Girls' may be off the air now, her performance ensures that she will be remembered for her role as Lorelai Gilmore for years to come. You may have loved the show or you may have hated it, but you knew she was a Gilmore Girl.

Marie Larsson Mon, Oct 29, 2007 at 12:38 PM EST

Icons for me are Mulder & Scully. The X-files was the best, and still IS!

Anne Mon, Oct 29, 2007 at 12:23 PM EST

Buffy Summers. Most definitely. Who else could slay demons, deliver and nice pun, and look great doing it?

monique mitchell Mon, Oct 29, 2007 at 10:49 AM EST

Mulder and Scully!!

ALynn Mon, Oct 29, 2007 at 08:01 AM EST

Buffy Summers. She ushered in a new kind of female character. And the men in her life weren't threatened by it.

Lyn Henri Mon, Oct 29, 2007 at 05:34 AM EST

I forgot to add that I saw DH on an episode of "The Love Boat", when I knew who the Pointer Sisters were, even if I didn't know who he was at the time.
That's how he'd caught my attention, when I was a kid before I was a teenager.

Lyn Henri Mon, Oct 29, 2007 at 05:31 AM EST

I may not be a baby boomer, but sometimes I feel like I was, even after I was born after that period was over.
I still like Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett, plus I like Bob Barker, too.
I also like David Hasselhoff from "Knight Rider", since that's the first show that he was on regularly that I really watched.
Before that, he'd caught my attention(even if I didn't know who he was at the time, and didn't know whether his last name was a real last name; I thought it was something someone made up).
There are pretty many, but I can't name them all on my list here.

Bobby G Sun, Oct 28, 2007 at 11:56 PM EST

Lucille Ball. As long as she is on a list and as long as Baby Boomers live, she will always win and deservedly so. Any of the following are solid (however distant) seconds: Carol Burnett, Jean Stapleton, Barbara Billingsley, and Betty White. Vampire killers don't have the heart.

Glynis Sun, Oct 28, 2007 at 11:33 PM EST

Hands down, Lucille Ball should win this competition. The fact that her show is still funny today says everything about what an ICON this woman really is. I LOVE LUCY! WE ALL LOVE LUCY!! wHAT A CLASS ACT, AND WHAT A REMARKABLE TALENT!

melissa k Sun, Oct 28, 2007 at 10:15 PM EST

It would be Buffy Summers for sure. She was the first female action hero that was much deeper than a hot chick in a tight outfit. She set the stage for Alias and the Bionic Woman remake.

Shelby Sun, Oct 28, 2007 at 10:12 PM EST

My TV icon would have to be Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar) from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She so perfectly personified female empowerment and also vulnerability while still delivering some of TV's greatest lines of dialog.

Maxine Hillman Sun, Oct 28, 2007 at 09:32 PM EST

I think that a TV icon can be considered anyone who touched and changed a group of people, therefore I nominate Buffy Summers. She may have started in the nineties, and therefore is apparently taboo to some, but she helped me gain greater confidence in myself and touched countless others.

Bob Sun, Oct 28, 2007 at 08:23 PM EST

The top tv icon is definitely Lucy. I can watch her reruns over and over again and still laugh. Ever need to get a good night's sleep, watch a comedy like "I Love Lucy", laugh a little and sleep like a happy baby!

Barbara Sun, Oct 28, 2007 at 07:15 PM EST

Oh, yes I am 49, so yeah I do remember the oldies.

Barbara Sun, Oct 28, 2007 at 07:10 PM EST

Buffy the Vampire Slayer of course. A show of drama, comedy, teen angst, well really life's angsts and even music. It was consistently funny, witty and erudite. It made you think, cry, laugh and provided a culture of new friends among the committed. It is the only TV show DVD I ever bought, after assiduously taping every episode (well until Heroes and that may still be a one season wonder). The acting and the writing are still a standout and I get it out and watch when I need a good time, otherwise so few and far between on network TV anymore.

Susan Marinelli Sun, Oct 28, 2007 at 06:39 PM EST

Would have to be Lucy, of course. But I also want to add Carol Burnett. I spent countless Saturday nights as a teenager watching The Carol Burnett Show.

Joseph Crain Sun, Oct 28, 2007 at 06:31 PM EST

Totally Lucille Ball. What can't that lady do? She is everything good in life! She gave the world the medicine of love!

Mick Sun, Oct 28, 2007 at 06:22 PM EST

Captain James T. Kirk from Star Trek! Everybody knows him...

Janet Grise Sun, Oct 28, 2007 at 06:02 PM EST

Lucille Ball, hands down. She is the mother of all comedies!

John Sun, Oct 28, 2007 at 05:21 PM EST

it loaded before "THE Bionic Woman"

John Sun, Oct 28, 2007 at 05:20 PM EST

Jonathan Harris "Dr. Zahakary Smith"
B-9 Robot
Lindsay Wagner "Jaime Sommers, THE

tess Sun, Oct 28, 2007 at 04:42 PM EST

mary-kate and ashley
and john stamos

tyler Sun, Oct 28, 2007 at 04:40 PM EST

Mary-kate and Ashley Olsen
they grew up on t.v. that alone automaticly makes them icons!

Lauren Sun, Oct 28, 2007 at 04:33 PM EST

Hawkeye
Buffy
Sydney and Jack Bristow
Jack O'Neill
The Cast of Friends

Mark Sun, Oct 28, 2007 at 04:17 PM EST

Buffy,
She saved the world, several times! She was non-judge mental: Willow was a witch AND a Lesbian.
AND I HATE GORE MOVIES AND TV, but because of the tone,writing and production of BTVS, I NEVER missed a first run episode of the show

mark Sun, Oct 28, 2007 at 04:13 PM EST

James Garner period.

daisy Sun, Oct 28, 2007 at 03:16 PM EST

Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar)! My ultimate hero.

Dave Sun, Oct 28, 2007 at 03:11 PM EST

William Shatner.James Garner.Candice Bergen.Betty White.Ed Asner.Tom Selleck.Carol Burnett.

Taylor Sun, Oct 28, 2007 at 12:10 PM EST

Lucille Ball
Jackie Gleason
Samantha Stevens
Oprah Winfrey
Barbara Walters
Archie Bunker
The Fonz
Rod Serling
The Addams Family
Jeannie
Roseanne
Frasier Crane
Jerry Seinfeld
Cast of "Friends"
Bob Barker
Vanna White
Alex Trebek
Simon Cowell
Johnny Carson
Larry King
Jack Bauer
Homer Simpson
Buffy Summers
J.R. Ewing
Tony Soprano
Michael J. Fox
Mulder & Scully
Xena
Andy Sipowicz
Women of "Sex and the City"
Eric Cartman
Big Bird
Barney
Mr. Rogers
PeeWee Herman
Laura Palmer
Spock
William Shatner
Andy Griffiths
Bill Cosby
Dick Van Dyke
Farah Fawcett
Bob Newhart
Mary Tyler Moore
Carol Burnett
Tom Selleck
MacGyver
Colombo
Merv Griffin
Regis Philbin
Fred Flinstone
June Cleaver
Pamela Anderson
Joe Friday
Donny and Marie Osmond
The Brady Bunch
Scooby-Doo
Dick Clark
Ed Sullivan
Donna Reed

Linda Sun, Oct 28, 2007 at 09:51 AM EST

Come on people pick one, not everyone you ever liked. Jeez.
And yes, Dennis, I wish the link worked too. (((LUCY)))

Kathi Sun, Oct 28, 2007 at 09:19 AM EST

Buffy Summers (Sarah Michele Gellar) - kicked ass and helped all of us thru the angst of being a teenager and a young adult.

Damien Despot Sun, Oct 28, 2007 at 09:00 AM EST

Homer Simpson, due to his greatly influencing american comedies to this day.

Sarah Sun, Oct 28, 2007 at 08:21 AM EST

I would pick Buffy, Roseanne,and Simon

Suzanne Sun, Oct 28, 2007 at 06:39 AM EST

Calista Flockhart for Ally McBeal
Robert Downey Jr. for Larry Paul (Ally McBeal)
Robert Downey Jr. should also be #1 on the list for the top 25 male "Hotties".
When it comes to great good looks, he is number ONE!

Dennis Sun, Oct 28, 2007 at 04:01 AM EST

I wish the link in the ad in the latest issue actually worked but here are a few of my choices anyway... Lucille Ball, Red Skelton, Bob Newhart, Dick Van Dyke, Betty White, William Shatner, Johnny Carson, Merv Griffin, Mary Tyler Moore, Bill Cosby, Carol Burnett, Bob Barker, James Arness, Jackie Gleason and Andy Griffith.

A.J. Sun, Oct 28, 2007 at 03:31 AM EST

Buffy Summers? I think the term icon would mean someone probably over the age of 45 or 50. And maybe someone who had a show that some people watched????

beth Sun, Oct 28, 2007 at 02:13 AM EST

Lucille Ball,Carol Burnett for women.
James Gandolfini,Larry Hagman for men.
The entire cast of Friends.

Lisa Sun, Oct 28, 2007 at 01:19 AM EST

I Nominate Buffy Summers and Piper, Phoebe Halliwell, and Paige Matthews (The Charmed Ones).

Robert Sun, Oct 28, 2007 at 12:10 AM EST

Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan and Estelle Getty. Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley. Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristen Davis, Kim Cattrall and Cynthia Nixon. Michelle Lee, Joan Van Ark, Kevin Dobson, Donna Mills and William Devane.

Jim Sun, Oct 28, 2007 at 12:08 AM EST

My first thoughts were Carol Burnett, Sally Field, Tom Selleck, Ted Danson, Michael J. Fox, and Steve Martin.

Drew Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 11:52 PM EST

Definitely Buffy Summers...I have to agree with so many posts on here that she was one of the first kick ass female characters, opening the way for other strong females (i.e., Max from Dark Angel, or Sidney from Alias). Sarah Michelle Gellar brought Buffy to life for seven years, never letting her seem less real than other TV characters just because the show delved into the supernatural, which I know is something that kept a lot of people from watching the show. Veronica Mars is a close second, or possibly a tie with Buffy. Kristen Bell, the amazing actress that she is, was the perfect choice for the wry-humored, yet spunky and sometimes perky, detective.

Kelly Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 11:42 PM EST

Tom Selleck
Candice Bergen
William Shatner
***They are definite TV Icons. They have all been around for decades and they are all still acting in their own series!!!

josh Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 11:23 PM EST

There are many that deserve the title of TV Icon but my favorite is....Michael Landon. From his days as little Joe on Bonanza to Charles Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie to Jonathan Smith on Highway to Heaven, he was the epitome of family values. He told stories about family, sentimentality, and love - what really matters most in this world! His memory will live on with his fans past, present, and future...FOREVER!!!

Billyrap Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 10:51 PM EST

Tony Soprano(Sopranos)
Kramer(Seinfeld)
Jack Bauer(24)
John Locke(Lost)
Brian Hackett(Wings)
Doug Heffernan(King of Queens)
Paulie Walnuts(Sopranos)
George Costanza(Seinfeld)
Jerry Stiller(any show hes on)

Chuck Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 10:16 PM EST

Lucille Ball

Kyle Sebree Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 10:05 PM EST

Carrol O'Connor aka Archie Bunker from All in the Family

Kyle Sebree Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 10:05 PM EST

Carrol O' Connor aka Archie Bunker from All in the Family

Maria Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 09:47 PM EST

Top TV Icon: Buffy Summers. Totally the top icon and a strong female character.

nicole Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 09:05 PM EST

Mulder and Scully (x-files)
Bill Cosby
Dick Van Dyke
Bugs Bunny
Alan Alda (Mash)
Will Ferrell

Rissa Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 08:33 PM EST

I think buffy is the all time best of the past decade but the rest of the buffy/angel cast were good also the whole entire cast of the cosby show

Rose Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 08:10 PM EST

Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy has to be on there! The girl changed my life and kept me entertained for 7 years. How many people can do that?

Maggi LeDuc Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 08:01 PM EST

Peter Jennings
Lucy O'Ball
Jerry Orbach
Allison Janney
Judi Dench

Jessica Green Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 07:59 PM EST

Buffy Summers played by Sarah Michelle Gellar. BTVS was simply the smartest TV show ever created. Whedon created extrodinary characters that seemly melded supernatural with real life drama. Fan base is as strong today as ever.

Mark Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 07:57 PM EST

lucille ball - i love lucy

Pam Conaty Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 07:34 PM EST

Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar) - the best written and acted
female role ever on TV! I still miss
the show and it's been over 4 years
since it ended.
Angel and Spike (David Boreanaz and
James Marsters)-I can't chose between
the two.
As a kid, I always admired Mary Tyler
Moore and Henry Winkler as The Fonz.

Keith Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 07:00 PM EST

Tony Soprano
Homer Simpson
Sam Malone
Louie DePalma
The Fonz
Jack Tripper
Andy Sipowicz
Bob Barker

J. Moran Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 06:38 PM EST

I'll have to say Roseanne Barr and Homer Simpson.

Melissa Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 06:16 PM EST

Lucille Ball

pinkiethunder77 Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 06:09 PM EST

Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy Summers
Bill Cosby as Cliff Huxtable
Lucille Ball as Lucy

Nikki Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 05:54 PM EST

Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy Summers
David Boreanaz as Angel
Micheal J Fox as Alex P Keaton
Ted Danson as Sam Malone
The cast of Seinfeld
Henry Winkler as The Fonz
Hervé Villechaize as Tattoo
Gary Coleman as Arnold Jackson
Debra Messing as Grace Adler
Eric McCormack as Will Truman
The cast of Friends

R.R. MAESTAS Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 05:10 PM EST

ELIZABETH MONTGOMERY
DICK YORK
LUCY AND DESI
SIMPSONS
ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT
LOST CAST
SOPRANOS CAST

Ken Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 05:03 PM EST

Farrah Fawcett

laurie Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 04:49 PM EST

Scully & Mulder--the show and these characters' influence is all over TV right now and has been since the inception of the show. Nobody did creepy and cool better

Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 04:06 PM EST

MARY TYLER MOORE~SHES BRILLIANT

bd Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 03:52 PM EST

Buffy. just because.

RON GODDARD Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 03:48 PM EST

PERY COMO WAS THE BEST WHEN IT CAME TO PROTRAYING A CLEAN CUT PERSONALITY WITH SOOOOOO MUCH TALENT....HE WAS ON THE TUBE FOR MANY DECADES AND HAD MANY MILLIONS OF FANS,

Debra Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 02:56 PM EST

John Ritter as Jack Tripper! I grew up with "Three's Company" and it's still a favorite of mine today! He was so talented and so young to leave us.

John Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 02:52 PM EST

Elizabeth Montgomery as Bewitched...she owned the character and the success of that series!!!

Stephen Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 02:33 PM EST

Johnny Carson (his last show with Bette Midler is, by far, one of the best TV moments in history)

Carole Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 02:28 PM EST

Current & Future Icons
Alan Alda/MASH
Sarah Michelle Geller/Buffy;
Jennifer Garner/Alias;
Roseanne/Roseanne;
Andy Griffith & Don Knotts/Andy Griffith;
Candice Bergen/Murphy Brown;
Mary Tyler Moore/MTM show;
Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock;
Tom Selleck/Magnum PI;
Peter Falk/Columbo;
Hugh Laurie/House;
Carol Burnett/Carol Burnett;
Jackie Gleason/Jackie Gleason;

Chris Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 01:55 PM EST

Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar), and Ellen Degeneres

Laura Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 01:55 PM EST

Tom Selleck as Magnum PI
Andy Griffith as Andy Taylor

C.F. hawks Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 01:48 PM EST

By far, Sarah Michelle Gellar is the top Icon! One of the best actresses of our time! She is a strong girl, and a strong actress. She's top!!

A.G. Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 01:42 PM EST

yeah, Sarah Michelle Gellar!! She's the best. On and off screen, she's a strong woman. And she kicks Vamp's butts!! How is that not awesome!!

jack Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 01:38 PM EST

Sarah Michelle Gellar, period!! hands down!! She's just awsome.

Nettie Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 01:07 PM EST

My TV Icons:

Jackie Gleason
Andy Griffith
Carol Burnett
Mary Tyler Moore
Bill Cosby
Johnny Carson
Art Carney
Kelsey Grammer
Lucy & Desi
Starksy & Hutch
Good Times cast
Tony Randall & Jack Klugman
Jack Bauer

Philip Coffey Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 12:20 PM EST

Andy Griffith - period!

Emily Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 12:09 PM EST

Buffy Summers, the Vampire Slayer played by Sarah Michelle Gellar is the icon. Hands down.

frank turchioe Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 11:26 AM EST

SUSAN LUCCI !!!! - she has been my american idol since 1970. she has always been an elegant woman, avoiding scandals and always stylish and lights up the screen whenever she is on. had the pleasure of meeting her twice (though i just cry when i try and speak with her) and she has been most gracious to me, and assured me that she was quite touched by my emotions and that i should never be afraid to show emotions. also her persererance for her emmy is legend, she has always taught me to never give up on my dreams and hang in there.

Tim Harper Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 10:04 AM EST

You guys have to be kidding me.No Larry Hagman(J.R.Ewing).He made Dallas into the g.o.a.t.It was a show truly ahead of it's time.I mean come on,name one tv icon that was both loved and hated as much as good 'ole J.R.If Mr.Hagman is not the tv icon,then lets do away with tv.

John D Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 10:01 AM EST

BOB NEWHART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Girl Friday Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 07:36 AM EST

OOps. How could I have left out the legendary Mr. Johnny Carson and Lucille Ball, and Redd Skelton.

Girl Friday Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 07:18 AM EST

Robert Conrad (Wild Wild West)
William Shattner (Star Trek)
Johnny Depp (Pirates of The Carribean)

Markus on Wheels Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 05:41 AM EST

Michael Knight and KITT

Lani Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 01:58 AM EST

Saturday Night Live icons that come to mind are John Belushi and Gilda Radner.
Travolta as 'Vinnie Barbarino"
Robin Williams as "Mork"
Johnny Depp on "21 Jump Street"
The 3 of them turned out to be too big for the small screen.
Bob Barker best tv host
Merv Griffin best game show creator
Johnny Carson best late night host
These are what icons are. We have been blessed with so many it would be hard to give them all kudos here.

Kim Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 01:56 AM EST

Growing up watching The X Files makes the best TV Icons for me, David Duchovny (Fox Mulder) and Gillian Anderson (Dana Scully) without a doubt.

Jeremy Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 01:21 AM EST

Peter Griffin(Family Guy)

Kevin Arnold (The Wonder Years)

Eric Cartman(South Park)

Will Farrell
Mike Myers
Adam Sandler
Chris Farley
David Spade
Rob Schneider (SNL)
Phil Hartman
Eddie Murphy

Michael J. Fox (Family Ties)

Matthew Fox (LOST)

Jason Priestly
Luke Perry (Beverley Hills 90210)

Ted Danson
Woody Harrelson
Kelsey Grammer
George Wendt
John Ratzenberger (Cheers)
Shelley Long
Rhea Pearlman
Kirstie Alley

jAcK Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 12:55 AM EST

AL BUNDY!!

Chris Sat, Oct 27, 2007 at 12:46 AM EST

ERIC CARTMAN!!!