10 TV Sitcom Characters With Shockingly Dark Backstories

Yes, you all knew this was coming, but it really couldn't be anybody else. Phoebe Buffay is the absolute poster child for lively sitcom characters with wildly tragic pasts. There were times when Phoebe's mean-spirited backstory almost seemed too cruel, but she never let that get her down.

This character was part of one of the most iconic sitcom groups of all time, and fans adored her. Phoebe was quirky, unpredictable, hilarious, goofy and downright fun to watch. However, it's no surprise that she had a bit of edge to her, considering the fact that her past made her sound like a Charles Dickens character.

Phoebe's (non-biological) mother committed suicide while she was still young, and with no father figure in her life, she ended up living on the streets. There, she was forced to mug people and experienced a slew of horrifying encounters, any one of which would scar someone for life. She stabbed a cop, was almost murdered by an escaped mental patient, was arrested and even got hepatitis after a pimp spat in her mouth, just to name a few.

If she'd never spoken about her past in the show, then you'd never have guessed any of this, as she was one of the most irreverent cast members.