Behind every good boss is usually a really great secretary or assistant. On Administrative Professionals Day, we honor those hardworking women and men who manage offices and make sure companies run smoothly while their bosses look better.
On television, almost every show that is about a workplace includes an assistant. Lawyers, doctors, business execs, detectives – they all rely on that perfect aide to handle day-to-day business. Some are super-devoted, with a true love for their mighty leaders, whereas some are sarcastic with barely a tolerance for whoever is in charge. Many are efficient, capably keeping their bosses in line and impeccably maintaining their offices; others can barely operate the telephone.
Usually, assistants and secretaries are a secondary or recurring character of a series; however, the really great ones are just as memorable (some even more so) than the main characters. Here, we honor those assistants, wacky or flawlessly competent, who keep things running smoothly on our favorite programs. Tour our photo gallery, which features the best TV secretaries and assistants from “Mad Men,” “The Office,” “WKRP in Cincinnati,” “The Bob Newhart Show,” “Perry Mason,” “The Carol Burnett Show,” “The Simpsons” and more. As you scroll through, note that we only allowed one selection per series (although there were certainly many others who could have been chosen).
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25. Friends
Image Credit: Courtesy of NBC Eddie Cahill as Tag Jones
He’s only on seven episodes, but who can forget that adorable smile? Although he lacks any qualifications, Rachel hires him, based solely on his looks, to be her assistant at Ralph Lauren. He proves to be capable, but she proves to be unable to resist him, which leads to hilarious confusion when her Friends try to figure out who the father of her baby is.
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24. Just Shoot Me
Image Credit: Courtesy of NBC David Spade as Dennis Finch
He may be “horny and self-centered,” but Finch is also smart as a whip, and an invaluable assistant to Jack Gallo at “Blush” magazine. With an undying devotion to his boss and an uncanny ability to anticipate his every need, Finch makes himself indispensable despite his annoying quirks.
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23. Twin Peaks
Image Credit: Courtesy of NBC Kimmy Robertson as Lucy Moran
She may seem ditzy, but the receptionist for the Twin Peaks’ sheriffs department knows more about what’s going on than anyone else in the small town – granted, she does listen in on the sheriff’s conversations. Nonetheless, she is observant, great at giving directions and maintains a completely professional demeanor when around her on again/off again boyfriend Deputy Andy.
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22. Mannix
Image Credit: Desilu/Norway/Paramount Tv/Kobal/Shutterstock Gail Fisher as Peggy Fair
Classy, smart Peggy Fair is a loyal secretary to private detective Joe Mannix. The widow of a policeman killed in the line of duty and raising a son on her own, she often goes undercover to help him with his cases. Fisher was one of the first African American actresses to have a regular role in a series, and won both a Primetime Emmy and two Golden Globe awards – both firsts for an African American woman.
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21. The Practice
Image Credit: Snap/Shutterstock Marla Sokoloff as Lucy Hatcher
Young, flippant and assertive, Lucy joins the firm, quickly earning the disdain of her coworkers (and audiences). When she is sexually exploited, her courage and outspokenness earns her respect and acceptance, and she matures into an invaluable member of the team.
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20. Ugly Betty
Image Credit: Abc-Tv/Kobal/Shutterstock Michael Urie as Marc St. James
Flamboyant Marc St. James isn’t above backstabbing his coworkers to help his narcissistic boss Wilhelmina become editor of “Mode” magazine. Marc does anything and everything she asks of him, while still finding time to get in everybody’s business and gossip about it, as well as playing judge to fashion choices.
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19. NewsRadio
Image Credit: James Levenson/Brillstein-Grey/Kobal/Shutterstock Vicki Lewis as Beth
With no last name, a first name that comes from an iconic Kiss song and a mane of flaming red hair, quirky Beth is secretary to the young news director at a New York City radio station. She gets away with sarcasm, wearing what she wants (which is usually totally inappropriate for a workplace) and smacking gum, most likely because she “earns next to nothing.”
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18. Entourage
Image Credit: Claudette Barius/Warner Brothers/Hbo/Kobal/Shutterstock Rex Lee as Lloyd Lee
Lee manages to maintain his upbeat personna despite constant putdowns about his ethnicity and sexual orientation that his boss flings at him. This homosexual Chinese-American knows how to kiss up to Ari Gold so that he can move up the ladder of success himself.
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17. L.A. Law
Image Credit: 20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock Susan Ruttan as Roxanne Melman
Capable and efficient, this secretary doesn’t let her jerky boss, divorce lawyer Arnie Becker, walk all over her. Surrounded by coworkers obsessed with money and material possessions, Roxanne’s is the calming voice of reason.
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16. Designing Women
Image Credit: Snap/Shutterstock Jean Smart as Charlene Frazier
An equal partner in the design business, Charlene’s history as a secretary makes her the perfect choice to take care of the administrative duties. With a heart of gold, Charlene always has a story and a naive, trusting nature, all which sometimes gets her in trouble, but also makes her the friendliest and happiest assistant on this list.
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15. The Simpsons
Image Credit: Courtesy of Fox Harry Shearer as Waylon Smithers
His father once worked for Mr. Burns at the Nuclear Power Plant, and his death stems from that work; nonetheless, Smithers becomes a dedicated assistant to Burns. With undying devotion and love, Smithers attends to Mr. Burns’s every need, despite his boss’s antipathy towards him.
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14. Ally McBeal
Image Credit: Norman Jean Roy/20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock Jane Krakowski as Elaine Vassal
As Ally’s assistant, Elaine prefers to spend her time flirting, gathering office gossip and inventing products she’s convinced will make her rich. However, she proves to be the best legal researcher around, and is always there when Ally needs her.
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13. Perry Mason
Image Credit: Snap/Shutterstock Barbara Hale as Della Street
One of the first popular television assistants is lawyer Perry Mason’s Girl Friday. As Mason’s loyal and efficient confidante, Street always maintains her cool while helping the infamous lawyer solve the most impossible cases.
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12. The West Wing
Image Credit: Courtesy of NBC Kathryn Joosten as Dolores Landingham
Although she’s only on two seasons, Mrs. Landingham is a huge influence on President Bartlet. A self-described “big sister” to the President, her long history with him means she can get away with openly speaking her mind to him, and he is deeply impacted when she’s no longer there.
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11. Arrested Development
Image Credit: Courtesy of Fox/Netflix Judy Greer as Kitty Sanchez
Perhaps the only one wackier than the Bluths is George Sr.’s secretary Kitty. Her intense loyalty to him has earned her access to blackmail-worthy information, securing her job despite massive incompetence. Michael numerous times tries to get rid of her, with her threatening him by baring her breasts and telling him “say goodbye to these-cuz it’ll be the last time you see them.”
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10. 30 Rock
Image Credit: Courtesy of NBC Maulik Pancholy as Jonathan
As loyal as a puppy, Jonathan would sacrifice just about anything for his boss Jack. His undying affection for Jack is almost creepy, leading to some hilarious moments between the two.
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9. The Carol Burnett Show
Image Credit: Courtesy of CBS Carol Burnett as Mrs. Wiggins
Tim Conway and Carol Burnett struck comedy gold as Mr. Tudball and his dimwitted secretary Mrs. Wiggins (pronounced “Mrs. Uh-Whiggins”). With her skin-tight skirt and teased hair, her best filing is done on her nails and her best effort of the day is making it back to her desk as she teeters on her heels. Maybe one day she’ll learn how to properly use the intercom, but it’s extremely doubtful.
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8. Murphy Brown
Image Credit: Courtesy of CBS Rotating secretaries
The task of being secretary to the hard-to-please reporter is so traumatic, the endless stream of candidates has to form a support group to console each other. The hilarious running gag of Murphy being unable to keep an assistant resulted in several memorable cameo appearances, including John F. Kennedy Jr., Paul Reubens, Michael Richards (in his Kramer role from “Seinfeld”), Sally Field and, for the finale, Bette Midler. One of the most memorable is Marcia Wallace as Carol Kester, who is the best assistant Murphy has ever had, but who in the end goes back to her original boss, Dr. Bob Hartley.
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7. Parks and Recreation
Image Credit: Colleen Hayes/Nbc-Tv/Kobal/Shutterstock Aubrey Plaza as April Ludgate
No one hates her job more or does as little an amount of work as Ron Swanson’s loyal assistant. With deadpan surliness, she honors his wishes of never being disturbed, turning people away from his office and failing to relay messages.
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6. The Office
Image Credit: Courtesy of NBC Jenna Fischer as Pam Beesley
Adorable, quiet Pam always has a smile for any visitor to Dunder Mifflin, despite her resignation to a job that requires her to keep up with the crazy demands of Michael Scott. Her confidence is boosted by a sweet romance with coworker Jim Halpert, whom she eventually marries while moving to higher positions in the office.
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5. Will and Grace
Image Credit: Chris Haston/NBC Megan Mullally as Karen Walker
Sometimes it’s unclear who the actual boss is, as Karen rarely accomplishes any work for Grace, preferring a cocktail and trading barbs with Jack. And since she’s rich, she only “works” as a hobby anyway; however, she shares her social contacts with Grace, helps her financially and proves her loyalty when needed.
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4. Beverly Hillbillies
Image Credit: Courtesy of CBS Nancy Kulp as Jane Hathaway
Prim and proper “Miss Jane” is a loyal and efficient secretary to Mr. Dysdale, frequently rescuing him from his own greed. Her fondness for the Clampetts (especially Jethro) and efforts on their behalf earn her a special place in their family.
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3. Mad Men
Image Credit: Moviestore/Shutterstock Christina Hendricks as Joan Holloway
Joan is a force of nature in a time when men dominate the advertising world and women are called “girls.” Balancing assertiveness and discretion, this fiery redhead doesn’t allow anyone to run over her and protects office secrets as she oversees day-to-day functions and manages the firm’s secretarial pool.
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2. Bob Newhart Show
Image Credit: Courtesy of CBS Marcia Wallace as Carol Kester
The zany redhead is secretary to several doctors, running the place to her liking and doing as she pleases, her antics often befuddling the subdued Dr. Hartley. Straightforward and funny, she sometimes resents menial tasks, but her quick wit keeps her bosses on their toes and her sharp mind helps her manage the different personalities she encounters and assignments she’s given.
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1. WKRP in Cincinnati
Image Credit: Company Four/Mtm/Kobal/Shutterstock Loni Anderson as Jennifer Marlowe
Proving the opposite of the “dumb blonde bimbo” stereotype, Jennifer is the most efficient, and as such highest-paid, employee at the faltering radio station. She is very clear on what her duties do NOT include – typing, making coffee, taking dictation. Despite the fact that a trail of devoted suitors have given her financial security, she takes care of her boss Mr. Carlson by supporting him and deflecting any work that may come his way. Beautiful, smart, sassy, Jennifer politely avoids any unwanted attention and work with unflappable style.
