Pop Art - Afro American TV Stars of the 70-90s

Hi there!

Lately I've been busy creating Pop Art figures of some famous people (as seen on the previous post). During this work, I found myself creating more and more Pop Art portraits of African American TV stars, mostly from the 80s. I couldn't understand why, but soon I've realized that it was reminding me my childhood, when everything was simpler, when all the family gathered around the TV set and watched those classic shows. Most of the 80s kids will have warm feelings toward classic shows like "The Cosby Show", "Diff'rent Strokes" or "Family Matters". Even today those characters can make every 80s kid feel like a child again, and for a moment to make him laugh and to forget the everyday worries.

I wanted to make a tribute, and to create some fun and warm Pop Art portrayals of selected Afro American TV stars, who may have been forgotten, but still exist in our hearts.

B.A. Baracus - Mr. T.

"I Pity The Fool!" Mr. T.

Everybody knows who Mr T. is, his funny looking haircut and those fancy jewels are still his trademarks. His adventures on the A-Team, and his famous catch phrase were an 80s classic! Yes we laughed at him at times, and we couldn't call his performance - acting. But he was one of the most beloved TV personalities in his time.

Arnold Jackson - Gary Coleman

"Whatchu Talkin' 'Bout Willis?" Gary Coleman.

His cute chubby cheeks, and his feisty personality were his charm. Gary Coleman as Arnold Jackson was THE star of NBC hit show "Diff'rent Strokes". Unfortunately, due to awful financial management, and serious health issues, Coleman had lost all of his money, and had to work in many low paid jobs just to make a leaving. After falling down the stairs at his home, he was rushed to the hospital in a critical condition, being unconscious and on life support, his family decided to pull the plug. He died at 28/05/2010.

Heathcleef Huxtable - Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby was one of the most beloved American comedians ever. His "Cosby Show" was an immediate hit since day one, according to the "TV Guide" it was TV's biggest hit at the 80s. The show was about an African American family, and its everyday situations and problems. The chemistry between the characters on the set was astonishing, one could really believe that he was watching a family. There were no catch phrases or one punch-liners like other Afro-American sitcoms ("The Jeffersons", "Family Matters" etc.), and still, the show was very successful, some might say it saved the sitcom business with its freshness, and its absence of structure, the show was just about a life of a normal family (eating dinner, or going to a goldfish funeral) which opened many doors for new creative sitcoms.


Steve Urkel - Jaleel White

"Did I Do That?" Jaleel White

Cool hipster? Geek chic? Make a room for the super geek, the father of all nerds, and the official hipsters' stylist - Steven Urkel. Starting as a side character at "Family Matters" and finishing as the biggest star there (and a fashion icon). The nerdy Urkel set his hopes high from the beginning, and aimed for Lisa's heart. His love for her, got him in troubles, and has created a genuine slapstick comedy. He was quite irritating and over doer, but... we learned to love him, and to miss him when he wasn't around. 

If you want to see more of my Afro-American TV stars project, you are welcome to visit my portfolio at "The Untapped Source"

If you'd like to purchase or to see more of my art , please visit my online store.

I would love to read your comments, or questions!

Thank you for visiting have a wonderful day :)