Top 10 TV Characters Who Were Mentioned But Never Revealed
#10: Cat’s Brother “Victorious” (2010-13)
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It may have come as a surprise to many that the most bubbly student at Hollywood Arts High seemed to have a dark home life, mainly due to the antics of her frequently mentioned unnamed brother. These anecdotes became a recurring joke on the show wherein she would describe his odd behavior, which ranged from using the front lawn as a bathroom to getting injured in Japan to attending a job interview after being covered in purple paint and even being sent to a Mental Hospital in Idaho. The lack of appearance only added to his arcane image, shrouding this seemingly unstable boy in intrigue. Viewers did however manage to catch a glimpse of his hand while he helped film one of Cat’s videos for The Slap.
#9: Carlton, the Doorman “Rhoda” (1974-78)
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Voiced by the late great Lorenzo Music, Rhoda Morgenstern’s lush of a doorman was often the highlight of any scene he happened to “not” appear in. Easily identified by his distinctive slur and signature catchphrase, Carlton spent most of the five seasons communicating over the building’s intercom. Viewers caught occasional glimpses of his arm and back, and during a single episode were even privy to a full frontal shot, his face hidden by a gorilla mask. The character was so popular that it sparked an animated spin-off, “Carlton Your Doorman” that aired in 1980. Although the pilot was never picked up, many got to finally see their favorite apartment attendant revealed as a lanky, sloppy-haired blonde with a mustache.
#8: Stanley Walker “Will & Grace” (1998-2020)
The obese uber-wealthy husband of socialite Karen Walker may have never received much physical on-screen airtime, but he nevertheless made an impression as large as his supposed stature. Described as wearing a toupee since his teens and being a fervent supporter of fast food chains, Stan was the butt of many jokes told by most characters on the show. Having gone through a series of highs and lows throughout the original run, including the 2017 revival, viewers, sort of, watched as he faced jail, faked his own death, cheated on his wife, lost his fortune, won it back, divorced and eventually reconciled with the love of his life, Karen. We did however catch a glimpse of his hand and feet in two separate episodes.
#7: Ugly Naked Guy “Friends” (1994-2004)
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This overweight nudist’s name was probably just as recognizable as the show's six leads, despite the fact that his identity was relatively unknown. Often on full display in front of Monica and Rachel’s apartment window, the friends would gawk and describe his various activities, always performed in the nude. These ranged from working out with a Thighmaster to sleeping on a hammock and eating mini muffins with Ross, with them both in their birthday suits. Despite showing parts of his body from the side or the back, Ugly Naked Guy, including the actor who portrayed him, had remained an enigma for many years. In 2016, it was finally revealed that actor Jon Haugen stood in for most of the body shots, finally putting a face to this ugly naked neighbor.
#6: Wilson W. Wilson “Home Improvement” (1991-99)
You could always count on the Taylor family’s wise and wordly next-door neighbor to dole out nuggets of sage advice, all while strategically keeping most of himself hidden away behind a backyard fence - or with the help of various objects or face makeup. The role was partly inspired by actor Tim Allen’s childhood, wherein he recalled being too short to see a neighbor over his fence and hence the running gag of Wilson W. Wilson Jr. 's perpetually obscured mug. That didn’t stop him however from becoming one of television's most beloved unseen characters as well as Tim Taylor’s favorite confidant.
#5: Mrs. Debbie Wolowitz “The Big Bang Theory” (2007-19)
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The loud-mouthed and domineering mother of aerospace engineer Howard Wolowitz was a force to be reckoned with, making up for her lack of physical on-screen presence with an off-putting booming voice, complete with thick Jersey accent and scathing remarks. Described as being overweight, whiskered and stereotypically Jewish, Mrs. Wolowitz soon became one of the show’s most popular recurring characters - along with the Norma Bates-esque relationship she had with her son, often played up for laughs. Unfortunately, the actress who voiced Debbie, Carol Ann Susi, passed away in 2014, taking with her one of her most beloved and unforgettable roles.
#4: Maris Crane “Frasier” (1993-2004)
Although it was never the showrunners intentions to keep Niles’ first wife a mystery, this haughty and icy heiress became too absurdly impossible to cast in the end. Mostly mentioned by others in passing and often through the use of vivid and slightly farcical descriptions, Maris was known for being vain, vindictive, eccentric, very thin and extremely cold. Her relationship with Niles wasn’t any warmer either, with the two eventually divorcing after a two year separation, stemming from her indiscretion with their marital therapist. Despite all this, she has remained a long discussed and fascinating personage even long after the show went off the air.
#3: Bob Sacamano “Seinfeld” (1989-98)
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There are a number of wacky recurring unseen characters in the “Seinfeld” universe who have piqued our curiosites for quite some time now. Jerry’s cousin Jeffrey and his job at the Parks and Recreation Department come to mind, but none sounded as absurd as Kramer’s good friend, Bob Sacamano. This Jersey dweller seemed to lead quite a peculiar life, having once contracted rabies, made a fortune in paddle balls with his contribution of the rubber band, attempted to make money off of replica Russian hats in Battery Park and even withstood electroshock therapy in a mental institution due to his huge synapses. Audiences may have never gotten to meet this harebrained fellow, but they sure had fun listening to his antics.
#2: Mrs. Columbo “Columbo” (1968-2003)
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It may not seem like this scruffy yet sharp blue-collar detective would have such a vivacious or cultured spouse, but that’s exactly the image we get whenever he mentions his wife throughout the series. Despite the fact that Mrs. Columbo was never formally introduced, we learn a significant amount about this woman, including her favorite piece of music, Madame Butterfly, and her abilities at singing, dancing and paint-by-numbers. Many fan theories over the years have speculated her existence, or lack thereof, claiming the anecdotes were simply a ruse for the Lieutenant to confuse potential suspects. Although there is clearly enough evidence to refute these hypotheses, one thing is for sure: she was one charming lady. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. The President of the United States, “Veep” (2012-19) POTUS Stuart Hughes Left Much to Be Desired as Far as Leaders of the Free World Go Peg’s Mom, “Married... with Children” (1987-97) The Unseen Woman Seemed to Be Larger Than Life in Every Way Doctor Claw, “Inspector Gadget” (1983-86) A Metal-Clawed Villain Made All the More Sinisterby a Perpetually Shadowed Face Melody, “Broad City” (2014-19) We Never Did Get to Meet Abbi’s Mysterious & Often Absent Roommate Tino, “My So-Called Life” (1994-95) Takes “Too Cool for School” a Little Too Literally
#1: Charles "Charlie" Townsend “Charlie’s Angels”(1976-81)
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In order to protect himself from his many enemies, this retired detective was often heard, thanks to the voice talents of the late John Forsythe, but rarely ever seen on the original television show. The Angels were never privy to their boss’s identity, often receiving missions through speakerphone or from assistant Bosley - the only employee to know Charlie’s secrets. Throughout the series’ run, audiences were teased with minor glimpses of either a hand or the back of his head, heightening their curiosity while adding a layer of intrigue to the already mysterious private investigator. As one of the most iconic and recognizable unseen characters in pop culture history, as well as appearing in multiple modern day reboots, it’s safe to say Charlie is more than deserving of our top spot.
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