Over the years, fans have become enthralled with thousands of characters, whether it was with their witty comments, dazzling charm or even comedic mannerisms.
However, some characters managed to command attention, even though they never appeared on-screen. Think of Howard Wolowitz’s mother in The Big Bang Theory or Charlie in Charlie’s Angels, who can drive the narrative without having a physical presence.
Scroll down to meet the most iconic characters that we never saw…
© Disney General Entertainment ConDespite being a vital part of the show, we never met Charlie
Charlie Townsend
Fans in the 70s were gripped by Charlie’s Angels, the all-female crime-fighting trio who were set their missions by their mysterious employer, Charlie. Charlie, who was played by John Forsythe, was never seen on-screen, even though his voice was a constant presence for the trio.
As he was never required to appear on-screen, John would record his lines separately from the cast and never met his co-stars during the show’s run. Farrah Fawcett, who played Jill Munroe in the first season, once bumped into him on a tennis court and exclaimed: “Charlie! I finally met Charlie!”
With Angels frequently changing, it was implied in the 2019 film that Charlie may be an alias, taken on by many individuals.
© Disney General Entertainment ConTino was often referenced but never seen
Tino
90s drama My So-Called Life focused on teen issues and is retrospectively seen as one of the best shows of the decade. And one character recieved a special mention every episode, even though he never appeared or was heard on screen.
Despite his invisibility, Tino was the lead singer of Jordan Catalano’s band, The Frozen Embryos. Characters would often call him for car rides or attend parties he threw, but we never got to see the character once.
© Getty ImagesNiles’ unseen wife ruined his early romantic pursuits
Maris Crane
Although fans never got to glimpse Niles Crane’s wife, Maris, during Frasier, they were given plenty to work with, given the constant snide remarks that Niles would make about his beloved’s appearance.
Although Maris was initially supposed to be introduced, due to the outlandish descriptions of her, producers decided to have her remain off-screen, allowing extra levels of absurdity to be added. She made two brief appearances, once covered by a shower curtain and a second entirely obscured by bandages.
© Getty ImagesEven without a name, Arthur’s wife became iconic
‘Er Indoors
Not only is Arthur Daley’s wife in Minder never seen, but she’s also never given a proper name, with the character only ever being referred to as ‘Er Indoors, a phrase that became so iconic it was even added to the Oxford English Dictionary.
Despite never being seen, she had a fearsome reputation and was the only person feared by the wheeler-dealer. However, she would also unwittingly be used in Arthur’s schemes, like when selling perfumes.
© Alamy Stock PhotoHyacinth was always happy to help her unseen son
Sheridan Bucket
Hyacinth’s beloved son Sheridan in Keeping Up Appearances is never at home with his overbearing mother, but he is frequently calling her on the phone for money. Although his father, Richard, is less than enthusiastic, Hyacinth is always more than happy to drop a cheque for her son, who she believes she has a “psychic connection” with.
Although never stated on screen, it is hinted that Sheridan is gay and in a relationship with his roommate, Tarquin.
© Getty ImagesElizabeth was left to the fans’ imagination
Elizabeth Mainwaring
Although it was set in World War II, it appears that the most fearsome adversary faced by Captain Mainwaring in Dad’s Army is his own wife, Elizabeth. He often goes to extreme lengths to avoid spending time with his domineering wife, who is also famously reclusive.
Elizabeth is briefly glimpsed in the episode A Soldier’s Farewell, where her shape causes the top bed in a bunk bed to buckle.
© Getty ImagesOnly Fools and Horses had plenty of unseen characters
Monkey Harris
Several of Del Boy Trotter’s dubious contacts in Only Fools and Horses never make it on-screen, even if their exploits are often referenced. The most notable is Monkey, who is jokingly referred to as having ears like the animal and started shaving when he was just ten.
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