Defining a sidekick can be tricky. The dictionary definition specifies that a sidekick has a lesser role than the more acclaimed partner—he or she may be no less important but stature-wise, not so much.
So is Jerry Seinfeld’s pal, George, a friend or sidekick? One could argue both ways but, as popular as Seinfeld is, I felt George had an aura of his own and ruled him out as a sidekick.
Remember that to make the top sidekick list you not only have to be well-known but not be a threat to steal the spotlight from the star. Your best sidekicks know their place and that’s at the feet of the master.
So here we go:
10—Piglet. Whether it’s the A.A. Milne original or the Disney version, Piglet fills the bill: a sounding board for Winnie the Pooh, a faithful friend and a gentle soul.
9—Jeff Green. On a more contemporary front, here’s Larry David’s in Curb Your Enthusiasm. Aside from putting up with David, Green’s a great Chicago Cubs fan.
8—Barney. The next-door neighbor and co-worker of Fred Flintstone. You know you’re a sidekick when no one ever suggested a spin-off show.
7—Norton. The Honeymooners with Jackie Gleason as Ralph Kramden was the model for the Flintstones so let’s salute the original, the classic easy-going compadre played by Art Carney.
6—Barney. Few TV characters were more loved than the deputy Barney Fife conjured up by Don Knotts (and the writers). The Andy Griffith Show allowed Knotts to play somebody we can all identify with but often fail to recognize.
5—Boo Boo. The little bear played by the rules, unlike Yogi Bear. Another cartoon character who never got his own show. Now that I think of it, that might be the source of a Roger Rabbit-type movie, a show where all the animated sidekicks come together to grouse about missing the spotlight.
4—Ed McMahon. The Tonight Show announcer whose laugh was as much a part of the Johnny Carson era as the opening monologue.
3—Tonto. Thank radio for this one where the Lone Ranger ran for 21 years (starting in 1933). The TV show ran for eight years (1949-57) with Jay Silverheels bringing a certain dignity to the role.
2—Robin. You can’t deny the boy wonder. But maybe you can. While Batman has exhibited staying power into the 21st century, Robin remains in the past.
1—Dr. Watson. I know that Watson’s role has been upgraded of late but you can’t have a genius like Sherlock Holmes without a foil.
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