Sitcom Uncles Trivia Quiz

Answer: Joe

Hey! It's in the theme song! Uncle Joe would go to great extremes to come up with schemes to keep him from having to do any real work around the Shady Rest Hotel. Joe is also the chief of the Hooterville Volunteer Fire Department, and leader of the Fire Department Band. You had to play an instrument to join the fire department, because the town had more parades than fires!

The role of Joe was played by veteran character actor Edgar Buchanan. He was a supporting actor in many western films, alongside John Wayne, Randolph Scott, Joel McCrea, and many others. He starred as Judge Roy Bean in the short-lived TV series of the same name.

Answer: Arthur

Paul Lynde brought his unique voice and persona to the role of Samantha's Uncle Arthur in "Bewitched". Arthur was a warlock, and often used his magic to play practical jokes, to the consternation of Darrin.

Lynde played many other roles in movies and TV, but was maybe best-remembered as the wisecracking center square on "Hollywood Squares".

Answer: Charley

When William Frawley (who played the boys grandfather) grew ill, veteran character actor William Demarest took over as their Uncle Charley (yes, that's the correct spelling). He helped with housekeeping, and keeping the three lads on the "straight and narrow". The other three choices given were other characters in the series.

Demarest started out in vaudeville, moved on to Broadway, and had a long and successful career in movies and TV, living to the age of 91.

Answer: Tonoose

Danny's tall, macho uncle visited the family often. His signature phrase from the show was "strong like bull", delivered in his thick Eastern European accent.

Hans Conried, who played the role, started as a classical actor, had success on Broadway, then TV and movies. He used his deep robust voice for many animated features, including Captain Hook in Disney's "Peter Pan", and the evil Snidely Whiplash in "The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show".

Answer: Ollie

James Westerfield only appeared as Andy's Uncle Ollie in one episode of TAGS: "The Family Visit". Aunt Bee was anxious to see her baby sister and her family, so invited them for a visit. Ollie was a little too much to bear; always wanting to run the police car siren, keeping Andy awake with his snoring, and blustering about how he could help Andy catch crooks.

But when Andy called his bluff with a fake escaped criminal report, Ollie packed up the family and hightailed it for home!

Answer: Bill

As it happened with many veteran actors, after success in movies and guest spots on many TV shows, Brian Keith found his most memorable role starring in a sitcom. As with several shows from that time, "Family Affair" focused on the challenges of single parenthood; in this case raising Cissy, Jody, and Buffy, orphaned by the death of Bill's brother and his wife. Uncle Bill, with help from "gentleman's gentleman" Mr. French (played by British actor Sebastian Cabot) managed to do an excellent job of taking care of the kids!

Answer: Fester

This should be the easiest one of all! Who could forget Uncle Fester. He was a self-contained 110 volt power source, and had a truly magnetic personality. He was played in the 60s series by Jackie Coogan, who was one of Hollywood's first child stars. Then the role was taken by Christopher Lloyd (best known as "Doc" Brown in "Back To The Future") for two Addams Family movies in the 90s.

Answer: Leo

Character actor Len Lesser was pretty much typecast by his role as the eccentric (presumably Jewish?) Uncle Leo, with his trademark greeting of "Jerry! Hello!" whenever he saw his nephew. He played basically the same character in "Everybody Loves Raymond", as Frank's lodge buddy Garvin. He just changed his greeting for Raymond to "Hey Ray! Ha, ha ha!"

Answer: Phil

Philip Banks ("Uncle Phil" to Will Smith) was the grounding force for the "Fresh Prince" extended family. A successful judge and lawyer, he could come down hard when any of the kids got into trouble. But he always treated them with love and respect. Carlton was of course Will's "snooty" cousin.

James Avery, who played the role, continued to work in movies, TV, and voiceover. But he never achieved the same level of fame as he did as Uncle Phil.

Answer: Jesse

Heartthrob John Stamos was a regular on "General Hospital" in the early 80s, before taking on the role of Uncle Jesse Katsopolis in "Full House". John is an excellent musician, both on the show and in real life. He played drums and guitar touring with the Beach Boys, and even sang the lead vocal on one of their songs, "Forever".

The other three choices given were other characters in the series.