Robert “Granddad” Freeman appears in the Cartoon Network Adult Swim animated television series The Boondocks, based on the comic strip of the same name. An irascible old man yet a law-abiding citizen, he does his best to raise both Huey and Riley, attempting to be a figure of authority and stability in their lives. Robert is a veteran of World War II, having served as a combat pilot, although his wingman Mo stole most of the credit for Robert’s own immense piloting skill. He also lived through the African-American civil rights movement in Alabama, participating in marches and speaking out against oppression. He also claims to have known both Rosa Parks and Malcolm X, stating that the latter died while still owing him five dollars.
While he watches over his grandsons, Robert doesn’t hesitate to resort to corporal punishment with his bare hands or his belt to teach them, most of the time with Riley. However, Robert is also shown to have a selfish side, neglecting his grandsons at one point when he was trying to enter into a relationship with a younger woman. He also spent their inheritance on a suburban home in a neighborhood that neither Huey nor Riley wanted to move to, though it was Robert’s lifelong dream.
(Photo courtesy of Adult Swim)