TV's Most Legendary Grandparents

They usually only play supporting roles in TV shows and sitcoms, but without them, the shows would be only half as heartfelt and funny. Who are we talking about? The older generation of actors and actresses that often play the grandmas or parents of our favorite characters! In our gallery, we have listed the most important grandmothers for you. Almost everybody knows Holland Taylor from her part in the successful sitcom Two and a Half Men. The actress celebrated her biggest success playing "Alan" and "Charlie's'" selfish mother "Evelyn Harper".

"Grandma Esther Walton", who is pictured here with her TV husband "Zebulon 'Zeb' Walton", was played by the late great Ellen Corby. The actress won a total of three Emmy Awards for her role as the grandmother of the "Walton" clan. Unfortunately, Ellen Corby passed away in 1999 following several years of declining health...may she rest in peace

Cloris Leachman was featured in eleven episodes of the sitcom Malcolm in the Middle, playing "Lori", the grandmother of "Malcolm" (Frankie Muniz), "Reese" (Justin Berfield), "Dewey" (Eric Per Sullivan), and "Francis" (Christopher Masterson). The next actor even has a famous son in real life...

In 'The King of Queens', Jerry Stiller played the eccentric father of "Carrie Heffernan" (Leah Remini). As "Arthur Spooner" he constantly picked fights, especially with his son-in-law, "Doug" (Kevin James). In real life, however, Jerry was the father of the very successful actor, Ben Stiller. Unfortunately, Jerry Stiller passed away on May 11 2020 from natural causes at the age of 92.

Actress Rosetta LeNoire was best known as "Estelle Winslow" in the sitcom Family Matters. Playing the mother of "Carl"  (Reginald VelJohnson), she often made ironic jokes about sporting activities such as parachuting, as some may remember. Unfortunately, Rosetta passed away in 2002 - way too early!

"Sophia Petrillo" was the perfect addition to the dream team around her daughter "Dorothy" (Beatrice Arthur) and her friends "Rose" (Betty White) and "Blanche" (Rue McClanahan). While all the gals were awesome grandmothers but "Sophia" easily takes the cake. The iconic part in The Golden Girls was played by the one and only Estelle Getty."How's Joe? Joe Mama!"

As the stern and strict Emily Gilmore", Kelly Bishop played the mother of "Lorelai" and grandmother of "Rory" in the successful series Gilmore Girls. While her character has a difficult relationship with her daughter in the series, the relationship with her granddaughter "Rory" is way better. On the next screen, however, you will find another classic sitcom...

Jessica Walter played one of the most hilarious, cutthroat, and excruciatingly selfish grandmothers on television. Her role as "Lucille Bluth" on Arrested Development kept fans laughing for years.

Doris Roberts holds the role of "Marie Barone" in the sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond. Her character is obsessed with cooking and a clean household and she simply cannot leave her adult sons of "Raymond" (Ray Romano) and "Robert" (Brad Garrett) alone.

Mary Beth Peil actually played two(!), iconic on-screen grandmothers! She played the role of "Evelyn Ryan" in the series Dawson's Creek as the grandmother of "Jen Lindley" (Michelle Williams. And she also played the role of "Jackie Florrick" in The Good Wife for a number of years.