Unbelievable Aging Icons: 10 Remarkable TV Characters That Defy Numbers

Not every TV show includes relatable older characters for a specific audience. However, there are instances in which these characters defy age stereotypes in various ways. While the primary goal of TV shows is entertainment, not all of them feature relatable characters for viewers of all ages, often neglecting children or elderly individuals. In the case of the latter, TV shows frequently rely on the cliché of portraying mentally unstable or perpetually grumpy characters. Nevertheless, there are numerous examples of shows that have showcased unique and captivating older characters who defy age-related expectations.

Although infrequent, there have been a few TV shows centered around elderly characters, whereas in most shows, they are usually secondary characters. Elderly characters can be vibrant and captivating, as demonstrated by numerous TV shows that have depicted these characters with intriguing storylines, character growth, and exciting adventures either alone, with friends, or alongside their families. This proves that anyone can be cool, regardless of their age. The following list features 10 exemplary elderly TV characters who challenge the notion that age defines one's coolness.

10 Elroy – Community

9 Malory – Archer

Community, a sitcom crafted by Dan Harmon, takes place in the fictional town of Greendale, Colorado, centered around a community college. The show chronicles the diverse group of students attending this educational institution, including Elroy Patashnik (portrayed by Keith David). Elroy, a former inventor and software programmer, establishes a virtual reality company and resides in an RV. Seeking a fresh start and tired of relying on his past achievements, Elroy enrolls at Greendale in the sixth season of Community. Despite initial difficulties, he eventually forms meaningful connections with his peers and successfully transforms his life. Elroy's story serves as a testament that age should never hinder one from forging new relationships, enjoying oneself, and embarking on exciting new adventures.

Archer, an adult animated sitcom by Adam Reed, centers around the exploits of a dysfunctional team of secret agents and their support staff at the International Secret Intelligence Service (ISIS), a fictional intelligence agency based in New York. The retired agent and director of ISIS, Malory (voiced by Jessica Walter), stands out as the flawed yet unique mother of the show's main character, Sterling Archer (H. Jon Benjamin). Despite her flaws - manipulative, cold, greedy, and racist - Malory defies expectations as she is not the weak and dependent elderly character typically portrayed. Instead, she exhibits independence, self-sufficiency, strength, and mental acuity. Moreover, Malory defies yet another stereotype by being highly driven by her sexual desires, to the extent that she has been involved in a number of sex tape scandals.

8 Elka Ostrovosky – Hot In Cleveland

Hot in Cleveland is a sitcom created by Suzanne Martin. It revolves around three aging industry veterans from Los Angeles - Melanie (Valerie Bertinelli), Joy (Jane Leeves), and Victoria (Wendie Malick). These three individuals unexpectedly find a more inviting community in Cleveland, Ohio, when their flight to Paris is forced to make an emergency landing there. Instead of continuing their journey, they decide to stay and rent a home where Elka Ostrovosky (Betty White), a caretaker in her late 80s, resides in the guest house. Despite her age, Elka leads an intriguing life, diving back into the dating scene once Melanie, Joy, and Victoria become her housemates. Remarkably, she garners more attention from men than Joy does. Elka's eventful journey also includes being elected to a Cleveland City Council seat, getting married, and encountering legal trouble when it is revealed that her supposedly deceased husband was actually connected to the mob.

7 Grammy – Drake & Josh

Drake & Josh, a popular teenage sitcom that aired on Nickelodeon for four seasons, revolved around the lives of two stepbrothers, Drake Parker (played by Drake Bell) and Josh Nichols (played by Josh Peck). Despite their contrasting personalities, the two teenagers had to figure out how to coexist under the same roof.

In the first season of the show, the audience was introduced to Grammy Nichols (played by Randee Heller), Josh's grandmother. Grammy came to take care of Drake and Josh when their parents and Drake's sister, Megan, went out of town for the weekend. With her distinct and vibrant personality, Grammy clashed with Drake but also managed to stay youthful. She even proved her basketball skills by defeating Drake by the end of the episode. Grammy's main focus was on enjoying quality time with her grandchildren, even if it meant showing some tough love when needed.

6 Lydia – One Day At a Time

One Day At a Time captures the essence of the beloved 1975 TV series through its portrayal of a Cuban-American family residing in Los Angeles. The show centers around Penélope, a single mother and Army veteran grappling with PTSD, along with her children Elena and Alex, and her mother, Lydia. Lydia not only adds significant heart and humor to One Day At a Time, but she also defies stereotypes associated with older characters. As a dance teacher who practices yoga and maintains an open-minded perspective despite her religious beliefs, Lydia embodies vitality. Additionally, she exudes sensuality, a characteristic that was purposefully embraced by Rita Moreno, who advocated for her character to possess a sexual dimension (via USA Today).

5 Grace and Frankie

Grace and Frankie, a comedic TV series crafted by Marta Kauffman and Howard J. Morris, centers around the lives of Grace Hanson (portrayed by Jane Fonda) and Frankie Bergstein (played by Lily Tomlin). When their husbands, Robert and Sol, unexpectedly declare their love for each other and leave their wives, Grace and Frankie find themselves thrust together, despite their initial dislike for one another. As their story unfolds, a remarkable and heartwarming friendship blossoms between them. The show ultimately serves as a testament to the notion that elderly individuals can defy societal age constraints and embrace their own unique coolness.

4 Suga Mama – The Proud Family

Grace embodies determination, strength, business acumen, quick wit, and sassiness. However, thanks to Frankie's influence, she has developed a greater capacity for empathy and understanding. Frankie, on the other hand, is a free-spirited artist driven by her own unique vision and a strong spiritual and creative inclination. Nevertheless, she often finds herself in predicaments that necessitate Grace's assistance. Perhaps their most remarkable joint venture involves establishing a business centered around selling sex toys specifically designed for older women. Ultimately, Grace and Frankie exemplify the notion that age should never impede the ability to forge new friendships, establish meaningful connections, rediscover love, and evolve as individuals.

The Proud Family, created by Bruce W. Smith, is a captivating animated TV series that revolves around the life of Penny Proud (voiced by Kyla Pratt), a spirited 14-year-old girl navigating the challenging path to independence typical of teenagers. Thankfully, Penny finds solace and unwavering support in her loving family, particularly her grandmother, the remarkable Suga Mama (portrayed by Jo Marie Payton). Suga Mama is a fascinating character who adores wrestling and possesses a unique blend of kindness, sassiness, and directness. With her hip demeanor and commitment to physical fitness through Tae Bo, she complements her affectionate nature. Suga Mama finds herself infatuated with her neighbor, Papi Boulevardez, who amusingly shower her with what she interprets as flattering remarks in Spanish. Displaying her own distinct fashion sense, Suga Mama sports stylish afro puffs and dons vibrant pink dresses, firmly believing she is in the prime of her youth.

3 Yetta – The Nanny

The Nanny is a sitcom created by Peter Marc Jacobson and Fran Drescher. It revolves around Fran Fine (Drescher), who, after a breakup and losing her job at a bridal shop, starts selling cosmetics door-to-door. She eventually becomes the new nanny for Maxwell Sheffield's (Charles Shaughnessy) three children. As the story unfolds, the Sheffields not only get acquainted with Fran, but also with her family, including her grandma Yetta (Ann Morgan Guilbert). Although Yetta battles forgetfulness due to senility, she refuses to let it hinder her from living her life. Yetta, a widow, discovers love with Sammy (Ray Charles) and they tie the knot after a series of affairs with fellow retirees at the home. Despite her limited mobility, Yetta fearlessly explores every opportunity and even indulges in secret moments of dancing on stage when no one is watching.

2 The Golden Girls

The Golden Girls, a sitcom created by Susan Harris, revolves around four single older women - Blanche Devereaux (Rue McClanahan), Rose Nylund (Betty White), Dorothy Zbornak (Bea Arthur), and Sophia Petrillo (Estelle Getty) who share a house in Miami. The show depicts the various ups and downs faced by these characters, including their financial struggles in a society that often overlooks the elderly. The Golden Girls beautifully showcases friendships in later stages of life, while also exploring romantic and sexual relationships, as well as the anxieties surrounding aging.

1 Gertie "Pookie" – Hey Arnold!

Hey Arnold! is an animated TV show created by Craig Bartlett. It chronicles the daily escapades of the principal character, a young boy who resides in an inner-city tenement with his grandparents, Phil and Gerie "Pookie". Unconventional for a grandmother, Pookie possesses black belt skills, being a former police officer, and consistently exhibits a high level of energy as she aids Arnold and Phil. A notable example is when she swiftly rushed to the subway station to fix the train when Arnold and his friends were trapped. Throughout the progression of the series, Pookie's portrayal evolved to reflect her aging, yet her enduring love, vibrant nature, and penchant for dressing up as different historical figures remained constant.