This is a subjective list, to be sure. Posted for those needing a little break from all the political news.
By the way, last on the list was Buddy Sorrell (from the old Dick Van Dyke Show). It was nice to see him make the cut.
Of course this is subjective, so there would be as many opinions as people. My take would be characters that are so iconic, that the actor can't get away from the character in real life. Or the character is a social phenomenon.
So to my theory here are some that would top the list, not in any particular order, and off the top of my head.
Fonzie, The Skipper, Archie Bunker, Mork, Al Bundy, Seinfeld, Cliff Huxtable,