My Three Sons was a cornerstone of classic family sitcoms, capturing the lives of widower Steve Douglas and his three boys. The show ran from 1960 to 1972, transitioning from black-and-white to color and shifting networks from ABC to CBS in the process. It was one of the longest-running sitcoms of its era, known for its heartwarming stories, lovable characters, and unique filming techniques. Throughout the years, fans watched the Douglas family grow, with characters leaving, new ones arriving, and a few surprising shake-ups along the way.
Even decades after its final episode aired, My Three Sons remains a nostalgic favorite. The cast featured some of Hollywood’s most familiar faces, from Fred MacMurray’s steady patriarch to William Frawley’s gruff but lovable housekeeper. But what happened to the actors after the show ended? Let’s take a look at the stars of My Three Sons and where life took them after they left the Douglas household.
1. Fred MacMurray (Steve Douglas)
Steve Douglas was the heart of My Three Sons, a widowed aeronautical engineer doing his best to raise three boys. While Steve seemed like the perfect TV dad, Fred MacMurray had a unique way of filming his scenes. Using what became known as the MacMurray Method, he filmed all his scenes in just 65 nonconsecutive days per season. This meant his co-stars often performed without him for months at a time, with guest stars having to return later to finish their episodes. Technically, according to MeTV, Fred was partially enjoying retirement while filming the beloved show.
Before My Three Sons, MacMurray was already a Hollywood legend, starring in classic films like Double Indemnity (1944) and The Apartment (1960). He was also known for his Disney roles, including The Shaggy Dog (1959). After the show ended, MacMurray retired from acting, living on his remote ranch in California. Despite his wholesome TV image, he was famous for his frugality, bringing brown-bag lunches to work and tipping sparingly. He battled throat cancer in the late ’70s and passed away in 1991 at the age of 83.
2. William Frawley (Bub O’Casey)
Bub O’Casey, Steve’s grumpy but lovable father-in-law, helped raise the Douglas boys during the show’s first five seasons. William Frawley was already a TV icon thanks to his role as Fred Mertz on I Love Lucy, but My Three Sons gave him another chance to shine. His quick wit and old-school attitude made Bub a fan favorite. If you ask Frawley, writes MeTV, he owes all his success to Lucille Ball.
Before TV, Frawley had starred in over 100 films, including Miracle on 34th Street (1947). His close friendship with Desi Arnaz helped him land I Love Lucy, but his drinking habits made networks hesitant to hire him. He struggled with the show’s filming changes, as he was used to working in chronological order—something My Three Sons didn’t follow. Unfortunately, health issues led to his departure in 1965, and he was replaced by William Demarest (whom he despised). Frawley passed away in 1966 at age 79 due to a severe heart attack.
3. Tim Considine (Mike Douglas)
Mike Douglas was Steve’s oldest son, but after he got married to Sally Ann, he mysteriously vanished from the series. The show never explained his departure, and instead, the writers added a new son, Ernie, to keep the “three sons” concept intact. As reported in The Hollywood Reporter, his successes are almost too numerous for one headline and even a subheading combined.
Tim Considine started acting at age 13 and was already a Disney star, appearing in The Adventures of Spin and Marty and The Hardy Boys. After My Three Sons, he guest-starred on Bonanza and Gunsmoke, but his most famous post-sitcom moment came in the war film Patton (1970)—where he was slapped by George C. Scott in an iconic scene. Later in life, he became an automobile historian, writer, and photographer, leaving acting behind. Considine passed away in 2022 at age 81.
4. William Demarest (Uncle Charley)
Uncle Charley joined the show after Bub’s exit, stepping in as the Douglas family’s new housekeeper. William Demarest and William Frawley had been rivals for years, and their behind-the-scenes tension was no secret. Charley’s gruff but lovable personality made him a great replacement, and Demarest stayed on the show until the very end. TV Insider pays special note to just how long he was famous and successful as a television actor, with a resume that hits across generations.
Demarest had a Hollywood career dating back to the 1920s, starring in Sullivan’s Travels (1941) and The Lady Eve (1941). He continued acting into his eighties, appearing in TV movies and even earning an Oscar nomination for The Jolson Story (1946). He retired in the late ’70s and passed away in 1983 at the age of 91.
5. Don Grady (Robbie Douglas)
Robbie Douglas was the middle son, and fans followed his journey from a carefree teenager to a married man. He wed his college sweetheart, Katie, and the couple became parents before the show ended.
Before My Three Sons, Don Grady was one of the original Mouseketeers, appearing on The Mickey Mouse Club. Though he continued acting after the series, he found his true passion in music. He composed scores for films and TV, even writing the theme song for The Phil Donahue Show. Sadly, Grady passed away in 2012 at the age of 68 from myeloma.
6. Tina Cole (Katie Douglas)
Katie was Robbie’s wife and one of the most significant additions to the show in its later seasons. Tina Cole was a member of the King Family Singers, a popular musical group of the era. Her chemistry with Don Grady was so strong that they dated in real life during the show.
After My Three Sons, Cole focused on theater and children’s programs, eventually becoming director of the Sacramento Children’s Theatre. She still makes appearances at nostalgia conventions, talking about her time on the show. Today, Tina Cole is 80 years old and remains active in the entertainment community.
7. Stanley Livingston (Chip Douglas)
Chip was the youngest Douglas son, and the only actor (besides Fred MacMurray) to appear in every episode of the show. Fans watched him grow up over 12 seasons, eventually getting married to his high school sweetheart, Polly.
After the show, Stanley Livingston did some voice work for Hanna-Barbera cartoons and transitioned to directing and producing. He married young, tying the knot with a go-go dancer at 18, but later remarried actress Paula Drake in 2015. Today, at 73 years old, he continues to share memories of the show and connect with fans.
8. Barry Livingston (Ernie Douglas)
Ernie was the adopted son of Steve Douglas, replacing Mike to maintain the three sons’ dynamic. Barry Livingston was Stanley’s real-life brother, making the transition feel even more natural.
Unlike many child actors, Barry continued acting into adulthood. He appeared in films like Masters of the Universe (1987) and The Nutt House (1992) and even had roles on Mad Men and Bosch. He remains active in Hollywood today, and in 2011, he released his autobiography, The Importance of Being Ernie. Now in his 70s, he continues working in television and film.
My Three Sons remains one of television’s most beloved family sitcoms, with a legacy that spans generations. Its unique filming style, heartwarming stories, and evolving cast made it one of the longest-running shows of its time. Whether you remember the black-and-white era or the later seasons in color, this classic series still holds a special place in TV history. Which Douglas son was your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
