1. Hank Moody from “Californication”
I’ve been watching Hank attempt to raise his daughter Becca for seven seasons now. Even though he’s not your white-picket-fence dad, he IS a dad that gets an A for effort! The latest season is happening right now on Showtime and Hank just found out he has an 18-year-old son named Levon. Boom! Not only does he get Levon a job and, um, laid for the first time (in a very questionable way), but he also has an awesome, slightly dysfunctional co-parenting relationship with Levon’s mom, proving modern families not only exist — they thrive. Mostly I’m gaga for his never-ending relationship with Karen, Becca’s mom.
2. Crosby from “Parenthood”
Like Hank Moody, Crosby became a dad when Jasmine showed up on his doorstep with Jabbar. Making plenty of mistakes along the way, Crosby morphed into a loving, silly, energetic dad! If you watch the series you know that he also tied the knot with Jasmine and they welcomed baby no. 2! Bonus: He’s a sexy, funny guy who digs music.
3. Tony Soprano from “The Sopranos”
He’s an NJ mobster, murderer, cheater, and illegitimate businessman, so I probably shouldn’t want to chat him up over spaghetti and meatballs, but I do because he’s such a likeable character. Tony is a giant teddy bear who will do anything for his family. I loved watching him tour colleges with Meadow and cheer AJ on at football. He shows up for fatherhood despite his other shortcomings.
4. Graham from The Holiday
Played by Jude Law (hello, gorgeous!) — I fell in love with Graham when he bared his soul to Cameron Diaz’s character. Behold: “Until I get to know someone really well, it’s easier for me to be a normal single guy, because it’s way too complicated to be who I really am. I’m a full-time dad. I’m a working parent. I’m a mother and a father…I have no idea how to date and be this. And I suppose there’s the possibility I’m afraid of what another person might do to who we are and how we get from one day to the next.” Any single mom or lady will WANT to relate to Graham and again, JUDE LAW.
5. Peter Banning from Hook
I love how reluctant Peter was to return to his Peter Pan, Pan-the-man, and Lost Boys ways, but when he does, IT.IS.GLORIOUS! The character of Peter reminds parents how important it is to play with our children, remember the magic of childhood, and take a break from the heavy stuff that is the daily grind of parenthood. Five stars!
6. Peter, Michael & Jack from 3 Men and a Baby. Riddle this: A baby shows up on your doorstep and the presumed dad (Jack) is off filming a movie. What to do? Well, wrap the baby’s butt in paper towels, of course. These guys give us a look at first-time parenting, and let’s face it, we’re all wondering what the heck to do. Teamwork, laughs, and love prove what makes a non-traditional family work!
7. Sonny from Big Daddy
Similar to the 3 Men and a Baby scenario, Sonny is bombarded by five-year-old Julian after his mom abandons him in New York City. Lazy, law school grad, Sonny may not be the biological dad but he sure does fill those shoes teaching Julian how to squeeee, fold, and eat his pizza slice (essential), that daily bathing is crucial for smelly little boys, and that peeing on a wall when nature calls is, well, A-OK. Unconventional? Sure! But Sonny proves blood isn’t the only part of raising a kiddo. Down the line, Julian’s real daddy steps up and in — and Sonny gets to transition to awesome uncle status.
Honorable mentions to: Walter from “Breaking Bad,” Frank Gallagher from “Shameless,” and Mr. Wilson from “Dennis the Menace”.
Share some of the TV and movie dads you want to hang out with!
Photo: Wenn
