Top 50 Iconic TV Characters of the 90s

7. Tony Soprano - The Sopranos

tyu By far the scariest man on the list is none other than Tony Soprano. The Sopranos aired from 1999-2007, not exactly in the heart of the 90's, however Tony Soprano left his mark in so many ways that it doesn't even matter. The show centers around him and his rise through the mafia rankings while trying to maintain a some what normal family life. Tony's a ruthless, violent, no bullshit kind of guy who is often brought back down to earth as he makes frequent visits to his psychiatrist through out the show. His constant battle with panic attacks, family life and his mafia family are what make the show so compelling. His character set the tone for the entire series and is the reason why the show was such a success. No list would be complete without the likes of Mr. Soprano.

6. Al Bundy - Married with Children

edoneil Al Bundy is a name you'll never forget, regardless if you were a fan of the show or not. Al peaked in high school as the star of the football team at Polk High. After that it was pretty much down hill for poor Al, never seeming to be able to catch a break. Working at a womens only shoe store that he hated, married to his wife Peggy and two kids Bud and Kelly that he doesn't really care for, Al never seemed to be happy. Unfortunately for him, his misery is our pleasure, and that's what made the show so special and funny. He wasn't your typical family man by any means, Al didn't even want a family, he wanted to play professional football. Of course nothing ever worked out the way he wanted it to but if it did do you think the show would've lasted 11 season? Of course not. Love him or hate him, Al Bundy has staying power.

5. Steve Urkel - Family Matters

unbenannt1-c59b6155adc8b075dcd24c11dcfc12e3 I don't think you can help but feel bad for Jaleel White (his real name) who will FOREVER be known as Steven Q. Urkel. After portraying a character like that for so long there really is no escaping it. I wonder how he really feels about the whole thing? Anyways... Steve Urkel was the lovable nerd next door in the comedy hit Family Matters. If you watched TGIF in the 90's then you watched Family Matters, there's no point in lying about it now, we all did. Annoying as he was, Urkel was the star of the show and generally the center piece of most of the story lines. Steve was an annoying, high talking nerd who was usually inventing something ridiculous which always seemed to do more harm then good. When he wasn't doing that, he spent his time trying to win Laura Winslow's heart. Of course that never worked out until he created a serum that transformed him into the super smooth Stefan Urquelle. Long story short, he eventually won Laura's heart (as Steve not Stefan) as well as her father Carl's and the rest of the family. Steve Urkel may have been an annoying, nerdy, weirdo but he was GREAT at it. Better then anyone before him or since. None of us will ever forget the character Steve Urkel, he'll go down in history as the greatest nerd of all time. Sorry Jaleel, but it's true..
 
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Former member of Jesse and the Rippers. Obsessed with wrestling. I'd only wear sweat pants and jerseys if it were socially acceptable. Beard enthusiast. Lover of sports, gaming, tattoos, writing, music, poker, tv, movies, food, sarcasm, laughing, debating and all things Louis C.K. and Larry David. Also if you have and or ever thought about wearing a visor and or fanny pack, I'm afraid we can't be friends.