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7 important TV characters we all know, but never actually saw
These characters played important roles by staying behind the camera.
They played an important part in certain TV shows, but they were never truly there. You know what we're talking about, those elusive characters who add a mysterious vibe to the show by staying off camera.
Sometimes they are a disembodied voice giving certain characters instructions, other times they're simply a running gag. Whatever the case, looks don't matter when it comes to these seven characters.
Sure, we know and love them, but we never got to see the face behind the voice.
1. Charlie Townsend - 'Charlie's Angels'
Every week, Charlie had the important role of informing his Angels of their next mission. Despite the importance, we never see Charlie in the flesh. The millionaire, voiced by John Forsythe, only spoke to the Angels via speakerphone.
Image: Sony Pictures Television
2. Orson - 'Mork & Mindy'
Orson is kind of like the alien version of Charlie. He constantly commands his subject, Mork, to observe human behavior, but mainly stays in the shadows while barking orders.
Image: CBS Television Distribution
3. Vera Peterson - 'Cheers'
Norm Peterson says the only reason he goes to Cheers is to get away from his wife, so it's fitting we never see her throughout the series. We do get to catch a glimpse of her body and hear her voice, only to have her face hidden by a smashed pie. The woman in that scene, Bernadette Birkett, is George Wendt's wife in real life.
4. Lars Lindstrom - 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show'
Never before did an unseen character have such a big impact on a television show. During season four, we find out Lars has been cheating on his wife, Phyllis, with Mary Richards' co-worker Sue Ann Nivens. The affair introduced Betty White's character and also paved the way for Cloris Leachman to land her own spinoff.
5. Angela Valentine - 'Leave It to Beaver'
Beaver's strange and elusive classmate certainly causes quite a stir at school, but the audience is never able to get in on the action. We do get to see her once when the teacher acknowledges her during class, although we only get a glimpse of the back of her head.
Image: NBCUniversal
6. Juanita Beasley - 'The Andy Griffith Show'
Juanita is a waitress at the Bluebird Diner, in addition to being the object of Barney Fife's affection. Despite their romance, we never see the two of them together.
7. Mrs. Columbo - 'Columbo'
Although Detective Columbo talked about his wife a lot, we never get to see the Mrs. Columbo throughout the series' run. That is, until the network ruined the illusion by giving Mrs. Columbo her own failed spinoff in 1979. From then on, Kate Mulgrew (Star Trek: Voyager, Orange Is the New Black) would be associated with the unseen character.
Image: NBC Universal
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Mrs. Wolowitz - CarolAnn Susi Voice - The Big Bang Theory
Grorge Steinbrenner, Back of Head Only, Larry David Voice, Seinfeld
Wilson Wilson, Farhead at Fence, Earl Hindeman Voice, Home Improvement
Peggy's Mom Mrs Wanker, Voice Only - Married With Children
Never Seen, Never Heard:
Maris, Niles Wife - Frasier
Louis, Margaret's Husband - Becker
Vera, Norm's Wife - Cheers
Lars Lindstrom, Phyllis's Husband - Mary Tyler Moore Show
Mrs Columbo - Columbo's Wife, Columbo (Appeard in Spinoff Mrs. Columbo)
Gladys, Pete's Wife - December Bride (appeared - show became "Pete & Gladys)
Arnold was unseen until a season or two into the series, and once Al took over the restaurant, his fry cook Clarence was the new unseen character.
Joanie's friend Jenny Piccollo remained unseen till nearly the end of the series till Cathy Silvers played her.
During the end credits Captain Tuttle was credited as having been played by... Himself in the Episode.
Carlton the Doorman; "Rhoda"
Bob Sakamano(?); "Seinfeld"
Miss Bellum; "The Powerpuff Girls"
Killer, Geraldine Jones' boyfriend; "The Flip Wilson Show"
