Today is Receptionists’ Day, and to celebrate, we’re paying tribute to our favorite fictional characters who spend their days answering phones, dealing with wayward bosses and generally working tirelessly to make other people’s days go smoothly.
Some are secretaries, some are assistants and some are receptionists, but they’ve all got one thing in common: they’re enjoyable to watch. Thus, without further ado, we bring you pop culture’s 17 best secretaries.
17. Miss Hathaway, The Beverly Hillbillies (Nancy Kulp)
Delightfully prim and forever alone, Miss Hathaway acted as a foil to the rest of the Clampett clan. Watch her loosen up a bit in this cigarette ad.
16. Pepper Potts, Iron Man (Gwyneth Paltrow)
Technically she’s more of an executive assistant, and sure, she eventually takes over as CEO of Stark Industries. But Pepper would do anything for her boss, and it’s that dedication to her job that allows her to rise to the top. And hey, with a boss as dreamy as Robert Downey Jr., can you blame the girl?
15. Jennifer Marlowe, WKRP in Cinncinnati (Loni Anderson)
She’s got the “sexy secretary” thing down pat, but Jennifer was no dumb blonde. Despite being the receptionist, she was the highest-paid employee at WKRP.
14. Janine Melnitz, Ghostbusters (Annie Potts)
Being a secretary at the Ghostbusters’ office isn’t exactly glamorous work. We imagine there’s a lot of downtime. However, Janine never loses her loyalty, and when there’s something strange in the neighborhood, she’s there to take your call.
13. Marcella, Grosse Pointe Blank (Joan Cusack)
Joan Cusack shines as the kooky secretary opposite her brother John’s hit man with a heart of gold. Whether she’s torching the office to hide evidence or convincing him to attend his high-school reunion, Marcella’s earning her pay and then some.
12. Doralee Rhodes, 9 to 5 (Dolly Parton)
In which Dolly plays the long-suffering busty secretary who spends her days being ogled by her boss. Watch her fantasize about turning the tables above, or listen to her famous workplace anthem here.
11. Cheryl/Carol/Crystal, Archer (Judy Greer)
There’s something to be said for someone who still works as a secretary despite being able to afford to live with an ocelot in a mansion and legally change her name every few days. We’re just… not really sure what it is.