Change Of Cast

'My Three Sons' is currently the third-longest running sitcom in history, and with such longevity, it isn't surprising that some people have come and left the show. To start with, when William Frawley, who was to play the role of William Michael Francis 'Bub' O'Casey, fell ill, he was replaced by one William Demarest.

Changes also got made to maintain the continuity of the three sons. When the eldest son Mike, played by Tim Considine, went to get married, his character was written out of the show and replaced by Ernie, Chip's friend who'd gotten adopted by the family. Despite the replacements, the show was still massively successful through all its years on the air.

Stanley Livingston : Then

For over a decade, Stanley Livingston captured hearts as Richard Chip Douglas, the youngest son of Steve Douglas on the television show 'My Three Sons.' The talented child actor who made his debut on the sitcom 'The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet' had other TV and movie appearances in 'How The West Was Won, X-15,' and 'Rally Round the Flag, Boys!' before his prominent role in the family sitcom.

At a very young age, Livingston adapted to the world of entertainment with his talents that gave him the platform for future works. After decades of being in showbiz, the star would always still get fondly remembered as Chip, the youngest of the Douglas clan.

Stanley Livingston : Now

The end of the family series 'My Three Sons' appeared to start a more dynamic career for Stanley Livingston. Although he starred in films like 'In the Picture, Stripteaser' and 'The Aftermath,' he added writing, producing, and directing to his list of talents and focused more on them.

Livingston had groundbreaking and influential projects, one of which was the 'Actors Journey' project which got created to teach aspiring actors the business side of acting through tips, interviews, and advice from experienced personalities. After Stanley took a step back from the entertainment industry in 2012, the icon took up painting and is now enjoying retirement with his wife.

Tim Considine : Then

Before landing his most famous role on 'My Three Sons,' Tim Considine was already a mainstay in Hollywood, appearing in numerous films like the 'Hardy Boys,' 'Spin and Marty', and 'The Mickey Mouse Club.' With such a resume, it wasn't surprising that he would go on to produce a flawless performance on the acclaimed sitcom.

Considine starred on the show as Mike Douglas for a few years before leaving when he tied the knot with his sweetheart. Also, did you know that the actor starred with his 'My Three Sons' co-star Fred MacMurray on 'The Shaggy Dog' film before they met on the sitcom?

Tim Considine : Now

When Tim Considine left the show, he thought it best to stay away from the entertainment industry, taking up fewer roles as time went by and choosing to spend time with his family instead. Before his retirement in 2015, Considine appeared in 'Ray of Sunshine' released in 2006.

Apart from acting, the star is also an acclaimed automobile historian and author with several bestselling books under his belt. Tim now leads a quiet life with his ilk away from the media, save for the few red carpet car show and book signing appearances he gets invited to now and then.

Tina Cole : Then

Actress and singer Tina Cole began her showbiz career around the early 1960s. She first earned a recurring role in the 'ABC' Network's detective television series 'Hawaiian Eye' as Sunny Day.

Tina first appeared as Joanne, a friend of Robbie's, on 'My Three Sons' in 1966, before being cast in the role of Katie Miller Douglas. This time she had a recurring role on the sitcom and remained with the series from 1967 to 1972. Interestingly, this was still in the early years of Tina's career, but it became her best-known performance. During this time, she also appeared on the television movie 'After the Honeymoon' and a couple of other series.

Tina Cole : Now

After leaving the sitcom 'My Three Sons,' Cole only appeared in a few minor roles here and there, such as the TV mini-series 'Eleanor and Franklin.' She then moved away from acting in 1994 to become the 'Sacramento Children's Theatre director.'

Tina also worked as the acting coach at acting schools like 'Roseville' and 'Elk Grove' in California. The actress returned to on-screen acting in 2013, co-starring with her sister and cousins in a one-off appearance in Hollywood at the 'Catalina Jazz Club.' Tina has since appeared in few and far between roles on television, with one of her more recent ones being in 2020 in 'Reawakened.'

Barry Livingston : Then

Barry Livingstone was barely ten when he got his first film job in 'The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet' in 1960. That's how you know he was born with an acting flair, and being cast on the hit series 'My Three Sons' was bound to happen. While his older brother Stanley played third of the show's three kids, Chip Douglas, Barry's role was that of Ernie Thompson, the next-door neighbor who got adopted by the Douglas family.

The star was on the popular show for over a decade and finally left when the series ended in the early seventies. Unbeknownst to Barry, he still had a fairly long list of successful feature movies and films ahead of him.

Barry Livingston : Now

Barry Livingstone's career leaped after leaving 'My Three Sons, unlike most child film stars. Now in his late sixties, Barry's career portfolio is decorated with a long list of feature films, including 'Zodiac,' 'The Social Network,' and 'Horrible Bosses.' It'd be easy to credit fate and good fortune for all of the star's achievements, but his zeal no doubt played the greatest role.

'The War Dogs' star has also authored his autobiography, 'The Importance of Being Ernie,' which recounts his diverse film career in detail. We may not have heard or seen much of Barry after his last TV stint in 2018's 'Bosch,' but we do get the feeling he isn't entirely done with showbiz yet.

Beau Bridges: Then

The award-winning actor and director Beau Bridges was born into acting royalty, with his father and mother having established careers in the television industry. Although he had the platform to ride on, Beau still made efforts to make a name for himself outside his parents' fame.

He played two different characters in the long run of the family series 'My Three Sons' and appeared on the show five times. Beau portrayed Ross Burton and Howard Sears excellently from 1960 to 1963 and then on two episodes in 1964. These roles contributed to his television credits and recognition as a remarkable actor.

Beau Bridges: Now

After his time on the television show 'My Three Sons,' renowned actor Beau Bridges expanded his career in the entertainment industry. He took on more challenging roles and added directing to his credits. There has been no break for him, as he relentlessly interprets roles and characters to the amazement of his fans and the general public alike.

Bridges has received many nominations and won awards for his captivating performances in movies and TV shows. He was even given a star on the Hollywood walk of fame for his contributions to the industry. The veteran is still very active and shows no signs of retiring soon.

Dawn Lyn : Then

The last three seasons of the family comedy series 'My Three Sons' would have been patchy if the Dodie Douglas character played by Dawn Lyn wasn't there. The talented actress starred beside Don Grady, Fred MacMurray, and Stanley Livingston. Her contribution alongside the rest of the crew saw the show win a Golden Globe award for the Best TV show in 1962 and get nominations for nine other awards.

Dawn's stint on the hit series did wonders for her film career and opened up more acting opportunities ahead of her 1978 retirement. Her last onscreen appearance was in the 'Wonder Woman' My Teenage Idol is Missing episode.

Dawn Lyn : Now

Though long retired, 'My Three Sons' actress Dawn Lyn has continued to make onscreen appearances throughout the years. Dawn's feature on 'TV Land Confidential,' 'Biography,' and 'The Actor's Journey' confirm her statement that the film door wasn't entirely closed for her. She is now in the real estate business and enjoys reading historical books during her free time.

Dawn is also into motorbike riding and almost every other outdoor activity you could think of. The star's love for film hasn't faded as she likes watching late into the night, with some of her favorite movies being 'Shutter Island,' 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith,' and 'Brokeback Mountain.'

Jodie Foster: Then

Jodie Foster is among the finest actresses in the industry, and she started her career at the early age of three. So, she wasn't a stranger to the cameras when she appeared on 'My Three Sons' as Priscilla Hobson. The actress had featured in numerous commercials before the show. While the sitcom wasn't her first television appearance, Jodie did get much-deserved recognition after appearing on it.

The audiences admired the 'Tom Sawyer' star's performance, and she received much critical acclaim as a child actor. Hence, starring on this show proved beneficial for Jodie at the inception of her professional career, and from there, the artist rode on.

Jodie Foster: Now

Jodie Foster started her professional career as a child artist and appeared in numerous commercials. Yet, her big break came after she appeared in 'My Three Sons' and was noticed for her work. Jodie's performance on the sitcom got her immense popularity, and it became a stepping stone for her Hollywood career.

Then the 'Panic Room' star never looked back, and she became one of the most successful actresses in the industry. Jodie has numerous accolades to her name, including an Academy Award for her role in the legal drama 'The Accused.' Well, the artist hasn't restricted her work to acting having directed a handful of films.

Two Networks, Two Different Colors

'My Three Sons' is a 'CBS' and 'ABC' network series that first aired on 'ABC' from 1960 to 1965. Initially filmed in black and white, something most Generation Z kids can't relate with, the sitcom, later on, moved to 'CBS' and was filmed in color until its end in the early '70s.

The show, starring film legends like Fred MacMurray and William Frawley, followed the life of a widower and aeronautical engineer Steven Douglas, played by Fred MacMurray. Frawley originally played 'Bub' O'Casey, the boys' grandpa, before his replacement in the last season due to health issues. The protagonist Steven eventually remarried as the series came to an end.

My Three Sons' Mingled Ratings

The family comedy series 'My Three Sons' saw both its good and bad seasons. Some of its seasons had over-the-roof ratings, and others weren't as interesting to fans. The first season was received well, but the ratings dropped from the second season only to pick up midway. This must have excited the producers.

As the show came to its end, it was well on its way back to where it had started, a good sign if you ask us and what people would also easily qualify as finishing with a punch. Despite its mixed rankings, 'My Three Sons' average ranking was 7 out of 10.

Barbara Collentine: Then

Another cast member of 'My Three Sons,' who made numerous appearances portraying various characters, was Barbara Collentine. Initially not a series regular, she appeared as different women on the sitcom. Nonetheless, Barbara got noticed for her acting, and finally, she was cast in a recurring role as Aunt Annie Fletcher.

Many stars got recognition for their time on the television series, and Barbara is undoubtedly one of them. She was so talented that even the drama creators could not resist having the artist as a recurring show member. So while we miss the comedy on our screens today, we also miss seeing Barbara in the production.

Barbara Collentine: Now

Barbara Collentine did make her mark in the television industry after appearing on 'My Three Sons.' After her role on the series ended, she continued to act and appeared in several projects over the years. Unfortunately, though, the actresses' career was short-lived, and the last time we saw Barbara on our screens was in 'A Day In A Life' in 2000.

Apart from television series, this celebrity also has films like 'Everglade' and 'Hunter' to her credits. While the artist retired from acting over two decades back, she is currently living her life away from the limelight. At the same time, not much is known about Barbara's personal life.

The Spin-Off That Could've Been

It's not unusual for a sitcom like 'My Three Sons' to have a spin-off. After all, the audiences' liking for the series had kept it on-air for twelve years! The episode 'After the Honeymoon' left us wondering about Robbie, who lost his job and shifted to San Francisco with his family. So, in the 11th season, the network planned to release a spin-off focusing solely on Robbie's family life.

Yet, the sequel never came to be, and Don Grady was greatly relieved by the decision. Perhaps, he was tired of playing his character for the prolonged twelve seasons. Once Robbie was shown to leave for Peru, the actor-singer too left the show and pursued his career in music.

Fred MacMurray: Then

Sometimes career changes might come as a shock to many people, but some like Fred MacMurray figured out how to deal with the expectations. Before landing a role on the famous sitcom 'My Three Sons,' the star had appeared in several blockbuster films like 'The Shaggy Dog,' 'Double Indemnity' and 'The Happiest Millionaire.'

Switching from the big screen to television in 1960 caught many by surprise, but Fred was absolutely brilliant in his performance as the widowed father Steve Douglas, winning rave reviews from critics and fans alike. Who said one could not thrive in both television and silver screen?

Fred MacMurray : Now

After a long, majorly successful career in showbiz, Fred MacMurray hung his boots in 1978, but not without another hit film under his belt. The star made his final appearance in the critically acclaimed horror flick 'The Swarm' starring alongside another legendary performer Michael Caine.

MacMurray made history when he became the first person ever to win the
Disney Legends award for his work on multiple hit 'Disney' films throughout his stint in Hollywood. Sadly, the acclaimed actor passed on in 1991, and while he might be gone, we will never forget his work and impact on the film business. Remember Fred's performance on 'The Absent-Minded Professor? That comedy still cracks our ribs to date!

Don Grady : Then

The iconic star Don Grady came into the spotlight at the young age of 13 as one of the Mouseketeers on the 'Mickey Mouse Club.' Nonetheless, he gained worldwide fame as Robbie Douglas on one of the longest-running Family TV series in history, 'My Three Sons.'

He made remarkable appearances in western series like 'Buckskin, Wagon Train,' and 'The Rifleman,' and then began his run on the show 'My Three Sons' that aired on 'ABC' before moving to 'CBS.' Grady was on the series for over a decade. He even appeared with his band, writing two original songs for the show while establishing himself as an excellent actor.

Don Grady : Now

After his time on 'My Three Sons,' the American actor and musician took a step back from acting to focus on music, with very few appearances on TV. Don Grady had mastered several instruments at a young age, so forming a 'Yellow Balloon' band with songwriter Gary Zekley was an easy feat.

Grady then recorded an album released by Elektra Records in a few years, composed songs for films, wrote theme songs for shows and went on several musical tours. He also released the album' Boomer,' a collection of songs for the baby boomers generation. Sadly, at the age of 68, the legend passed away after battling illness for a long time.

William Demarest : Then

Willian Demarest actually replaced William Frawley in the character of Uncle Charley on 'My Three Sons.' The actor started his showbiz career as a stage artist, appearing alongside his wife Estelle Collette as 'Demarest and Colette' in 'Vaudeville.' He then moved on to perform on 'Broadway.'

Demarest later starred in several films working with director Preston Sturges, including 'The Lady Eve' and 'The Miracle of Morgan's Creek.' He was one of those actors who Sturges repeatedly used in his films. William was cast as the lead role in NBC's sitcom 'Love and Marriage' before joining the cast of 'My Three Sons' in 1965, which later became his most notable performance on television.

William Demarest : Now

The now-deceased actor remained on the cast of 'My Three Sons' until 1972, completing his seven years on the series and earning an 'Emmy Award' nomination for his fourth season. During this time, William Demarest didn't appear on any other television show or movie.

After leaving the show, William only appeared in a few more roles in films like 'Don't Be Afraid of the Dark' and 'The Wild McCullochs.' On television, his last performance was on the show 'McMillan and Wife' in episode seven of season two. The veteran performer starred in more than 140 films throughout his career, frequently appearing in grumpy but good-natured roles.

Meredith MacRae : Then

Born in Houston, Texas, Meredith MacRae saw both her parents become actors, which probably became the reason for her getting attracted to acting from a very young age. The actress and singer formally began her career in 1963 with the movie called 'Beach Party.'

It was the same year that Meredith joined the cast of 'My Three Sons' in the role of Sally Ann Morrison Douglas, recurring for three seasons. She also appeared in a few episodes of another television series, 'The Young Marrieds,' in 1965. Yet, it was the 'My Three Sons' role that would become Meredith's career's breakthrough performance, earning her nationwide fame.

Meredith MacRae : Now

Meredith MacRae wrapped up her role on 'My Three Sons' in 1965 and, in 1966, appeared in another one of her notable roles in the television series 'Petticoat Junction' is Billie Jo Bradley.

In fact, after 'My Three Sons,' MacRae is primarily known for this role which she continued till 1970. Around this time, she made guest appearances on shows like 'The Dean Martin Show' and 'The Donald O'Connor Show.' MacRae also appeared on a number of game shows, including 'Match Game' and 'Hollywood Squares.' The actress last showed up on screen in 1997 as a talk show hostess before passing on in 2000 at just 56 years of age.

William Frawley : Then

Like Willian Demarest, William Frawley had also stepped into the acting career with a recurring performance in 'Vaudeville,' appearing first in 1914 with his wife, Edna Louise. Their comedy act 'Frawley and Louise' went on till the two parted ways in 1927.

During this time, Frawley also signed a contract with 'Paramount Studios' to appear in silent films. He appeared in several movies before being cast in the role of Fred Mertz on 'I Love Lucy,' for which he is most famous on television. The veteran actor had already given almost 45 years of his life to the entertainment industry before finally joining the cast of 'My Three Sons' from 1960 until 1965.

William Frawley: Now

The character of 'Bub' O'Casey on 'My Three Sons' was brought to life by American TV actor Willliam Frawley. The star began his career acting on the comedy act 'Frawley and Louise' with his ex-wife Edna Louise Broedt back in 1914.

He was also on the show 'I Love Lucy' and made two more TV appearances one year before his death in 'I've Got a Secret' and a cameo appearance on 'The Lucy Show.' Thanks to his contribution to the film industry, Frawley received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame a few years before he passed on. It's satisfying to know that he was honored while still alive.

A Budding Musician in 'My Three Sons'

Besides Don Grady's acting brilliance, 'My Three Sons' offered the audiences glimpses of his music skills. While beautifully portraying Robbie Douglas, the actor stepped into the limelight with super hit musical numbers. We saw him as the frontman of the 'The Greefs' in a couple of episodes.

Yet, the artist's most outstanding musical achievement came as the lead drummer of 'The Yellow Balloon' band, where he performed by the name Luke R. Yoo. Grady wrote and sang hit singles like 'Stained Glass Window' and 'Junk Maker Shoppe.' Also, the band's eponymous song peaked at No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1967. So, no wonder this show helped Don pursue a career in music in the future.

The MacMurray Method Of Shooting

Actors often have to accept being away from their families for long-running projects, but Fred MacMurray was a clear exception! Being an earnest family man, the legendary actor negotiated with the production team of 'My Three Sons' to give him a personalized contract. The deal would offer Fred over ten weeks long vacations and a limited working period of only 65 days!

Just imagine, the team had to film his scenes beforehand and edit them into separate episodes, yet we hardly spotted any differences. We adore Fred's role in the show, Stephen Douglas, as much as his brilliant working strategy. God knows how he managed to shape such a strict contract!

Fred MacMurray's Unofficial Casting Gigs

Audiences back in the day might have seen the best of Fred MacMurray on-screen, but many don't know that he had a say in the casting of 'My Three Sons' as well. The legendary actor was skeptical about having Ryan O'Neal play the eldest son, Mike. Perhaps, he felt that the star wasn't suitable for comedy. So, he chose his 'The Shaggy Dog' co-star, Tim Considine, instead.

Yet, that wasn't the case while selecting Robbie Douglas. The thespian instantly became fond of Don Grady and approved him as his middle child in the show. Perhaps, it may have been because of Don's good behavior or simply for having a cleft chin like Fred's.

Fred's Frugal Ways

With a prosperous limelight journey spanning half a century, Fred MacMurray undeniably counts among the highest-paid actors of his time. The massive star might've earned an enviable paycheck for his on-screen genius but still kept his expenditures in check - Shocking, right?

Well, anybody in the sets of 'My Three Sons' could find him carrying the same kind of brown-bagged lunch every single day. Moreover, the wardrobe man once told Fred about buying a dozen new shirts for his scenes that weekend. Almost instantly, the actor suggested turning up the collars of his old shirts to give them a new look. When it came to spending only when absolutely essential, frugal Fred knew what he was doing.

On-Duty, Off-Duty

Don Grady had actively served in the Army Reserve for six months since 1968. However, he wasn't the only one - his character Robbie too did the same in the sitcom 'My Three Sons.' So when the star was away on national duty, his filming schedule had to be adjusted accordingly.

The performer got enrolled in the troops, which primarily included performers permitted to keep long hair. After all, it was required for their civilian occupations, so they couldn't afford to chop it off. Yet, a C.O. once ordered them to undergo haircuts, and Don wasn't ready to follow. Luckily, he got rid of the issue by winning the case with the help of a lawyer.

Continuity Problems

When we have the 'Disney' Legend, Fred MacMurray, on-board, we barely expect any comprise on the show's quality. Yet, certain cons do come with the pros of hiring a veteran like him- the major one being his unstable work plans and shooting in bulk.

After each shot, the production manager had to take detailed photos of everywhere around Fred with the other casts frozen in their respective places. Later, when the actor returned from his break, the team filmed the remaining scenes, closely studying the pictures. Of course, everything had to be just the same as before, from hairstyles, clothing to the actors' positions - Just imagine the hassle for the editing team!

Sidney Clute: Then

Sidney Clute made an impressive presence in the acting business for his excellent portrayal of characters and captivating interpretation of roles. Before his appearance on the American sitcom 'My Three Sons,' he was already a popular household name for playing detective Paul La Guardia in over 50 episodes of the police procedural drama series 'Cagney & Lacey.'

As a film, stage, and television actor, he has developed the ability to showcase several distinguishing characters in a single show, as he did in six different portrayals on the family series 'My Three Sons.' Over his career spanning three decades, Clute has become a very respected veteran for his professionalism and dynamic acting skills.

Sidney Clute: Now

After his stint on the show ended, Sidney Clute was as busy as he was while on the series. Yet, he maintained a balance between his appearances on the silver screen and his features in several television productions. He also landed the lead role in the crime drama 'Cagney & Lacey', and with his performance, he left an everlasting impression on the viewers.

Sidney's career may not have lasted more than three decades due to his untimely demise in 1985; nonetheless, the actor was associated with some significant television shows before passing away. It wouldn't be wrong to say the 'All in the Family' star amassed immense success throughout his career.

Doris Singleton: Then

Doris Singleton featuring in 'My Three Sons' was a feather in the cap. She had a relatively successful career in the industry before she first appeared in the comedy. She was cast in two different roles on the sitcom and continued her recurring appearances on the series until the finale. Nonetheless, before her stint on the drama, the actress was famous for her role on 'I Love Lucy.'

Not many know that Doris is also a trained ballerina, and before she made her screen debut, this celebrity started her career as a vocalist on the radio. Yet, this artist certainly managed to work her way to the small screen with her immeasurable talent and hard work.

Doris Singleton: Now

Doris Singleton was born to be a star, so after her time on 'My Three Sons' came to an end, she continued to be associated with show business. After her assignment on the series, she enjoyed a steady career on television and bagged significant roles in numerous shows like 'Here's Lucy' and 'All in the Family.'

Unfortunately, the actress did not make her way up to the silver screen, but she did gain immense fame and popularity while on TV. During Doris's five-decade-long career, which lasted until 1986, she made a name for herself in the industry. Therefore it was heartbreaking for many when the news of her demise broke in 2012.