32 of TV’s Best Father Figures Who Weren’t Actually Dads, From Mr. Belvedere to Chief Hopper (Photos)

TV father figures

Mr. Feeny (William Daniels) , “Boy Meets World”
The Matthews’ next-door neighbor was also Cory’s (Ben Savage) teacher and eventually his principal, offering sagely advice throughout his young life. He’ll probably still be at it in the sequel series, “Girl Meets World.”

Joey Gladstone (Dave Coulier), “Full House”
Uncle Joey had his puppets and his nieces, but no kids. Still, he played an essential role in helping raise Danny’s (Bob Saget) girls. Uncle Jesse (John Stamos) would have made this list, but he eventually had twins of his own.

Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg), on “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”
Coulson hand-selected his own team, and he filled it with broken people in need of support, direction and guidance. It’s no wonder he’s stepped up as a father figure to so many of them, and especially the orphaned Skye (Chloe Bennet).

Mr. Dink (Fred Newman), “Doug”
Doug’s (Billy West/Tom McHugh) older, eccentric neighbor was as quick with a bizarre high-tech gadget as he was with words of wisdom for the young man. Unfortunately, sometimes both proved to be of little use.

Red (James Spader), “The Blacklist”
While Red’s personal life remains very much a mystery, what’s no secret is his strange fatherly interest in FBI Agent Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone). He would only work through her, and on more than one occasion stepped in to save her life, while trying to guide her toward a truth that only he fully understands.