"Evelyn Harper, Realtor"

The Dean of
TV Realtors

I find Ty Burrell's charactor on "Modern Family" to be more believable ("Phil Dunphy, Realtor").

But for the record, easily the longest running TV realtor would be Evelyn Harper on "Two and a Half Men," played by the wonderful Holland Taylor (also Tom Hanks' boss on the show where he got his start, "Bosom Buddies").

While I don't know anyone in the business who reminds me of Evelyn, one episode actually did anticipate a real-life home Seller's nightmare: their Realtor using their vacant home for -- shall we say -- "trysts" (see, "Did real estate agent play while owner was away?" in the Star Trib this Summer).

On "Two and a Half Men," the guilty parties were Alan Harper and his girlfriend, and the situation was (predictably) treated humorously rather than as the felony it really is.

Realtors in Modern Culture

"Modern Family" Realtor

Think of doctors in modern culture, and what comes to mind?

Characters from sitcom's and movies like "ER," "House," "Scrubs," and, if you're old enough, "Marcus Welby, M.D."

For lawyers, the list would include "Law & Order," "Boston Legal," "LA Law," and "Allie McBeal." (OK, I'm dating myself).

Now, when you think of Realtors, who do you think of?

Drawing a blank?

So am I.

About all I can come up with is Paul Rudd's character in "I Love You, Man," and the creepy, repressed Annette Bening character from "American Beauty" (I'm omitting Mamet's "Glengarry, Glen Ross" because it dealt with commercial real estate).

To that list, add the uncool "cool" Dad from "Modern Family."

I only saw the pilot last night, so it's too soon to say if his job selling real estate intrudes on any plot lines.

As they say, "stay tuned."

P.S.: the dearth of Realtors on TV and cable is especially puzzling given all the reality TV programs devoted to real estate ("Flip this House," "House Hunters," "Sell This House," and on and on -- none of which, as a practicing Realtor, I find watchable).