My favorite TV dad growing up would have to be "Pa," Charles Ingalls (Michael Landon).  I loved Little House on the Prairie. I wanted to be his daughter, "half-pint."  He always made time for her.  More than that, he made her a part of his time. 

I am blessed to say my dad did the same thing.  I went with him everywhere I wanted to go...fishing, fixing the car, photographing weddings (he was an industrial photographer that did portraits and weddings on the side), working in the yard, shopping in the hardware store, you name it.  You'd think I turned into a tomboy, but those who know me know that couldn't be farther from the truth.  Nope, my dad didn't try to make me his son.  He had one of those.  He let me be me while he was being him.  It was one of the best gifts he ever gave me.  And the best part of his legacy that I am living with my daughter.

Harris Interactive recently conducted a poll asking Americans who was their favorite TV dad.  Without exception, every generation named Dr. Cliff Huxtable (Bill Cosby), of The Cosby Show as number one. Rounding out the top 10 (overall) are:

Ward Cleaver of Leave it to Beaver

Jim Anderson of Father Knows Best

Andy Taylor of The Andy Griffith Show

Ozzie Nelson of The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet

Mike Brady of The Brady Bunch

Howard Cunningham of Happy Days

Charles Ingalls of Little House on the Prairie

Ben Cartwright of Bonanza

Tim Taylor of Home Improvement

Who was you favorite?  Regardless of your answer, let me encourage you to turn off your TV this Sunday and spend some time with the fathers or father figures in your life.  It is truly the best gift you can give them...and yourself.