50 All-time Greatest Characters in Television History: #16-18

                               #18: Cosmo Kramer, Seinfeld

Born: Around 1950

Where he is now: We will soon find out, as Jerry Seinfeld just announced another Seinfeld reunion.

It took about 4 or 5 seasons before the audience finally stopped applauding every first time Kramer would storm into Jerry’s apartment. He is the clear fan favorite from the popular sketch comedy, and even snotty intellectuals who call Kramer the only real dimwit on the show still appreciate the color he brings. He reprises his role, years later, in an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm, and shows he has still not changed much.

             #17: Mary Richards, Mary Tyler Moore

Born: April 1939

Where she is now: As revealed in the 2000 made-for-television movie Mary and Rhoda, Mary later marries a congressman named Steven Cronin with whom she has a daughter, Rose. After her husband's death in a rock climbing accident, Mary discovers that her husband squandered their money in his reelection campaigns. She relocates to New York City, reconnects with her best friend Rhoda, and is hired at a network program.

Mary Richards was for women what Cliff Huxtable was for the African-American community. While it’s true that Lucille Ball opened the door for women, Mary Tyler Moore paved the way for a growing population in 1970s America: divorced women. As co-producer of a local television news network in Minneapolis, Mary Richards showed that a divorced single woman can maintain a successful career, live independently, and date whoever she chooses without having a husband or parents to lean on. 

                                               #16: Jack Bauer, 24

Born: February 18, 1966

Where he is now: Trying to stay out of harm’s way, but 24 is coming back soon, so we will update this just as soon as we can

Is there anything Jack Bauer can’t do? He has saved the day nine different times now (and they seem pretty sure the series is coming back for more thrills). We have watched for years now as Jack has almost singlehandedly taken on Islamic terrorists, the Russian mob, and even a President (who looked and talked eerily similar to Richard Nixon, yeah?). Somehow in 9 seasons, which equals nine different 24-hour days, Jack has never eaten nor pooped.

Most defining moment: Early on in Season 1, Jack and the CTU are trying to get information from a suspect. The bad guy refuses to talk, smirks, and says they are powerless to do anything to him. Jack says, “Oh really?” He then proceeds to pull out his .45 and blows the guy’s head off.









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