Raising three boys on his own wasn’t easy, but Steve Douglas made it look like a breeze – and viewers couldn’t get enough.
My Three Sons charmed audiences with its blend of everyday family life and heartfelt comedy, quickly becoming a TV favorite. The show debuted in 1960 and ran for an impressive 12 seasons, making it one of the longest-running sitcoms of its era.
The show’s television journey began on ABC, where it aired its first five seasons in black and white. After that, the show made the leap to CBS, switching to color for its remaining seven seasons and reaching an even broader audience.
Fred MacMurray starred as the calm and collected father, joined by Tim Considine, Don Grady and Stanley Livingston as three of the original sons.
So, where are the stars of this classic series now? Let’s find out.
Fred MacMurray as Steve Douglas
Fred MacMurray played Steve Douglas, a widowed aeronautical engineer and father of three sons.
Beyond the series, MacMurray was known for his roles in Disney films like The Shaggy Dog (1959) and The Absent-Minded Professor (1961).
MacMurray kept a relatively low profile after My Three Sons, with his final film appearance being in 1978’s The Swarm.
The notoriously frugal actor spent most of his time on his ranch, golfing and spending time with his family.
In 1987, he was honored as the first Disney Legend, recognizing his significant contributions to the entertainment industry.
He married Lillia Lamont in 1936, but the pair divorced in 1953. He later tied the knot with June Haver in 1954, and they were together until his death in November 1991. He was 83.
MacMurray had a total of four adopted daughters – two with Lamont and two with Haver.
Tim Considine as Mike Douglas
Tim Considine played Mike Douglas, Steve’s eldest son, from 1960 to 1965.
After leaving My Three Sons, Considine appeared in Patton (1970) and had several small television roles. He continued acting for decades after his departure, and his last credited role was in Ray of Sunshine (2006).
Considine was also an automotive historian, photographer, and writer. He contributed to The New York Times Magazine and co-wrote the 1970 film Tarzan’s Deadly Silence alongside his brother, John Considine.
Tim was married twice – first to Charlotte Stewart and later to Willette Hunt, with whom he shares a son named Christopher.
Tim passed away on March 3, 2022, at the age of 81.
Don Grady as Robbie Douglas
Don Grady played Robbie Douglas, the middle son.
Before the series, he was a Mouseketeer on The Mickey Mouse Club. After My Three Sons, Grady transitioned to a music career, composing for television and film, including the theme for The Phil Donahue Show.
He was first married to Julie Boonisar in 1976, but the pair divorced after three years. In 1985, he tied the knot with Virginia Lewsader, with whom he had two children.
Grady passed away on June 27, 2012, at the age of 68, following a battle with cancer.
Stanley Livingston as “Chip” Douglas
Stanley Livingston played “Chip” Douglas, the youngest son.
He continued acting after the series, appearing in films like Attack of the 60 Foot Centerfolds (1995) and The Aftermath (1982).
Livingston’s career has spanned various roles in the entertainment industry, including voice acting, producing and directing – showcasing his versatility beyond acting.
He was married twice – first to Sandra Goble (1968–1974) and then to Paula Drake. He and Drake share one daughter.
Livingston, 74, is the last surviving original cast member.
William Frawley as “Bub” O’Casey
William Frawley played “Bub” O’Casey, Steve’s father-in-law and the boys’ caretaker.
He was also known for his role as Fred Mertz on I Love Lucy. Frawley was married once to Edna Frawley (1914–1927), but the pair had no children.
Frawley passed away on March 3, 1966, at the age of 79.
William Demarest as Uncle Charley O’Casey
William Demarest joined the cast as Uncle Charley O’Casey in 1965, replacing Bub.
He had a prolific career in film and television, appearing in over 100 films, such as The Great McGinty (1940), Sullivan’s Travels (1941) and The Miracle of Morgan’s Creek (1943).
Demarest married Lucile Thayer in 1939. The couple, who had no children, were together until his death in December 1983. He was 91.
Barry Livingston as Ernie Douglas
Barry Livingston joined the series in 1963, three years after his older brother, Stanley, landed his role as a series regular.
Barry, 71, played Ernie Douglas, Chip’s friend, who was later adopted by Steve.
He continued acting after the series, with roles in Argo (2012), War Dogs (2016) and Jersey Boys (2014). He has also appeared in popular shows like Two and a Half Men and General Hospital.
Barry married Karen Huntsman in 1983, and the pair shares two children. His 2021 memoir, The Importance of Being Ernie, covers his life as a child star.
Tina Cole as Katie Miller Douglas
Tina Cole played Katie Miller, Robbie’s wife, starting in 1967.
The actress and producer is also known for her roles in Hawaiian Eye (1959) and To Rome with Love (1969). Her most recent credits include Reawakened (2020) and Take It From the Top (2017).
Cole was first married to actor and producer Volney Howard III in 1965, but the pair divorced in 1970. They share one child.
Cole, 81, later tied the knot with Fillmore Pajeau Crank, Jr., with whom she had three children.
Her memoir, My Three Lives, was released in 2022.
Beverly Garland as Barbara Harper Douglas
Beverly Garland played Barbara Harper, Steve’s second wife.
She had a prolific career in television and film, with roles in Scarecrow and Mrs. King (1983), 7th Heaven (1996), The Guardian (2001), and more.
Garland was married three times – most recently to Filmore Crank (1960–1999). She and Crank had two children together.
The actress passed away on Dec. 5, 2008, at the age of 82.
Dawn Lyn as Dodie Harper Douglas
Dawn Lyn joined the cast as Dodie Harper, Barbara’s daughter and Steve’s stepdaughter, in 1969. It is one of her most notable roles.
The 62-year-old actress retired from acting in the late 1970s and has been married to W. John Reese since 2006.
Since October 2022, Lyn has faced significant health challenges. After undergoing brain surgery to remove a non-malignant tumor, she developed bacterial meningitis, leading to an eight-month hospitalization.
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