3rd Bananas Trivia Quiz

Answer: Stuart Bloom

Kevin Sussman plays dorky comic book store owner Stuart Bloom to perfection. The highly rated "Big Bang Theory" has its share of characters, e.g., Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper's asocial genius, and Johnny Galecki's Leonard Hofstadter, a child prodigy still unable to win his mother's approval, but Stuart manages to hold his own in this strange circle.

His first appearance was in the second season of the show, in the episode called "The Hofstadter Isotope". He then bonded with Raj when Howard was in space, and wound up living with Mrs. Wolowitz after Howard got married. Aside from his interactions with 'the group', Stuart is alone, depressed and totally lacking any self-esteem.

Answer: Jackie Chiles

Phil Morris (son of Greg Morris) played attorney Jackie Chiles on "Seinfeld". Actually, he really is beyond a tritagonist, i.e., a secondary tritagonist, quadtagonist or just plain supporting character. Jackie does not appear on the show until the seventh season in 1995, when he becomes Kramer's lawyer after Kramer burns himself with hot coffee in a movie theater (a takeoff on a real life case). Jackie is a lampoon of Johnnie Cochran (O.J.'s lawyer), using phrases like "it's outrageous, egregious, preposterous".

His role may not have been a big one, but it was certainly memorable.

Answer: Randy Marsh

The totally irreverent animated show "South Park", written by Matt Stone and Trey Parker, is about four fourth graders (although they began as third graders) from South Park, Colorado. The four boys are Stan, Kyle, Cartman and Kenny (who used to die in almost every episode).

This is not your mother's "Leave It to Beaver"! It is a dark, adult, satire where the kids deal with Satan, transgender teachers, antisemitism, the supernatural and so much more. Stan Marsh is the de facto leader of the group. Stan's father, Randy, is voiced by Trey Parker. Randy is the most conspicuous parent on the show.

He is a middle-aged geologist with a penchant for 'porn' and, according to Parker, "the biggest dingbat in the entire show".

Answer: Jerry Helper

Anyone who is old enough to have grown up with "The Dick Van Dyke Show" (1961-1966) will certainly remember Rob and Laura Petrie, Sally Rogers and Buddy Sorrell (Ritchie not so much). However, the show was so well written, even the supporting characters were given a life and personality of their own.

At work, we had Mel and Alan; at home, Rob's genial next door neighbors were Jerry and Millie Helper. Jerry was the dentist (another source of humor) and was played by Jerry Paris (1925-1986). Jerry (the real-life one) later went on to produce and direct movies (like "Star Spangled Girl") and TV shows like "Happy Days" (1974) and "The Odd Couple" (1970).

Answer: Mort Goldman

The animated show "Family Guy" is one of Seth MacFarlane's many ventures. The show is about the dysfunctional Griffin family from Quahog, Rhode Island. Peter and Lois, their three children (Meg, Chris and Stewie) and their talking dog (Brian) take center stage in the sit-com. Deuteragonists in the show are Peter's friends and Lois' parents.

Then you have the 'third bananas' which include Mort Goldman. Mort is the father of Meg's classmate and A.V. guy, Neil; Mort is also the local pharmacist.

He is voiced by writer, actor and "Jerky Boy" Johnny Brennan.

Answer: Freddy Hayes

"House of Cards" is a Netflix political drama featuring ambitious South Carolina Congressman Frank Underwood with his machinations to advance his political career at any cost. The series originated in the United Kingdom, but it has been transformed to represent the greed and corruption found within the political structure of the United States. Frank is played by the incredible actor Kevin Spacey, with his wife and co-conspirator, Claire, brilliantly played by Robin Wright. Within all this high power dealing, we find Freddy Hayes, the owner (now former owner) of Freddy's BBQ, a haven for Frank (night or day) where he can be alone and partake of Freddy's delicious ribs. Freddy is portrayed by Reg E. Cathay from "The Wire", "Oz" and "The Fantastic Four".

Answer: Eddie Janko

"Blue Bloods" is, at the heart of it, a story about the Reagan family. They are a family with a history of public service, from grandfather and former Police Commissioner Henry, to patriarch and current New York City Police Commissioner Frank, played by the wonderful Tom Selleck.

He is surrounded by his children and their children, as they get together for Sunday dinners and discuss questions on ethics. Franks' youngest son Jamie has become a police officer, and he is partnered with Edit "Eddie" Janko. Janko is played by Vanessa Ray from "Pretty Little Liars", "Suits" and "As the World Turns". Eddie did not appear on the show until the fourth season.

She and Jamie are attracted to each other, despite their official work status.

Answer: Dr. Nathan Katowsky

If you think there is nothing good on TV anymore, you might have missed the 2016 drama series "This Is Us". A beautifully written and well-acted show, "This Is Us" moves back and forth in time to tell us the story of the Pearsons, Jack and Rebecca, and their three children.

This description makes it seem ordinary and derivative but it is new, poignant, insightful and refreshing. We are there for the birth of the three Pearson children which, as you might imagine, does not go smoothly. There too, for the delivery, is Dr. Nathan Katowsky, OB/GYN, who acts as Rebecca's doctor in her regular physician's absence.

His experience and wisdom provide support throughout the show. The role is played by Gerald McRaney, whom you might remember from "Major Dad" and "Simon and Simon".

Answer: Tobias C. Fornell

One of TV's most popular shows, NCIS remains on top despite a number of cast changes. Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon) is the heart and soul of the show. He is in command of a team of special agents who work for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, a branch of the government located in Washington, D.C. (before all the spinoffs).

His team and his boss have changed over the years, but Gibbs' leadership keeps it all together. Occasionally, the team has to work with the FBI. When they do, they wind up collaborating with Agent Tobias Fornell, who also happens to be the former husband of Gibbs' ex-wife. Fornell is played by Joe Spano. Spano played Lt.

Henry Goldblume on the 1980s police show "Hill Street Blues".

Answer: Ralph Hart

We end with one of the most memorable third bananas on TV, i.e., Ralph Hart, the ubiquitous doorman at the "deluxe apartment in the sky" in Manhattan, on "The Jefferson's". Since "The Jeffersons" was one of the longest running sitcoms in history, we got to see a lot of Ralph. Ralph would do pretty much anything for an extra buck, i.e., "a gratuity".

He first appeared on the pilot episode of the spin-off, and wound up staying for 253 episodes. The role, in all its greedy glory, was played by Ned Wertimer who had previously appeared on Broadway. Wertheimer moved on to many small roles on TV shows like "Gunsmoke" and "The Mary Tyler Moore Show".

He died on January 2, 2013 at the age of 89.