Red Forman
| Red Forman | |
|---|---|
| That '70s Show character | |
| First appearance | That '70s Pilot |
| Last appearance | That '70s Finale |
| Created by | Mark Brazill |
| Portrayed by |
Kurtwood Smith Corey Landis (Young Red) |
| Information | |
| Nickname(s) | Red, Hardass, Sir, Boss, Whitey, Pop, Dad, Mr. Formanelli, Mr. Forman, the Grinch |
| Gender | Male |
| Occupation |
Retired: World War II veteran Korean War veteran Former: Auto parts factory supervisor Department store supervisor Muffler shop owner |
| Family | Albert Forman (father, deceased) Bernice Forman (mother, deceased) Marty Forman (brother) Jerry Forman (brother) |
| Spouse(s) | Kitty Forman |
| Children |
Laurie Forman |
| Relatives | Burt Sigurdson (father-in-law, deceased) Bea Sigurdson (mother-in-law) Paula Sigurdson (sister-in-law) Fez (former son-in-law) |
| Nationality | American |
Laurie Forman
(daughter, with Kitty)
Eric Forman
(son, with Kitty)
Reginald Albert "Red" Forman is a fictional character on the Fox sitcom That '70s Show, portrayed by Kurtwood Smith.
On occasion, Red serves as an antagonist.
Red is the perpetually disgruntled, ill-tempered father of Eric and Laurie Forman and Kitty Forman's husband. He is seemingly insensitive to other people, but admits frequently in the series that this is to maintain his self-identity of being a "man". In some episodes, his tough exterior crumbles when he encounters other people's needs and he eventually makes decisions that show an ethical regard for doing what is right.
His relationship with his son Eric is complex. Although he often references Eric's faults mercilessly, both father and son have a connection on an unspoken level. The two have a clash of wits in most episodes with Eric teasing his father, or "poking the bear". Despite Red's frequent threats of physical violence, Red never makes good on these threats throughout the series and Eric views them in a humorous light, even impersonating his father making his characteristic threats. On other occasions, father and son unite to collude in a scheme or plot, share a joke or even face the displeasure of Kitty together. Many episodes show the respect between the two characters, with Red even admitting on one occasion that his love for Eric does not need to be articulated, it is "just a given". Despite Red's firm stance with his son, he protects Eric when the situation calls for it; for example, in one episode when Bob accuses Eric of being a poor influence on his daughter, Red gives him a cold send-off.
Red finds his neighbors, Bob and Midge Pinciotti, perplexing and vexatious. He dislikes spending time in their company, although frequently compelled to do so by his wife, Kitty. In particular, his views of Bob range from annoyance to occasional contempt. Despite this antagonistic attitude, several episodes portray Red as a good neighbor who will come to the assistance of Bob when absolutely needed.
He shows very strict discipline to those with lesser authority than himself (especially the teenagers), from which he seems to take joy. In his youth, Red served in the U.S. Navy (in the 200 episode, "Jackie Bags Hyde", he is shown wearing the winter-blue uniform of a Chief Petty Officer for Veterans Day) and often brings up memories of his service in Korea. Red was a Boatswain Mate in the Navy during World War II and Korea. Since he served on a destroyer but saw land combat in Guadalcanal (Aug, 1942-Feb. 1943) and Korea (1950-1953) it would appear that he served as a Seabee, an assault boat pilot, or in EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal). He might have also served on board a submarine, as evidenced in Season 8, Episode 6 "Long Away". He is wearing Submarine Warfare (Dolphins) on his garrison cap during the Veterans reunion.
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Wikipedia