5 Shocking Updates On The 'My Three Sons' Triplets Today (December 2025)

The classic sitcom My Three Sons remains a beloved staple of American television, chronicling the life of the Douglas family and its ever-changing lineup of boys. While the title suggests just three, the show’s later seasons introduced a whole new generation, specifically the actual triplets born to Robbie and Katie Douglas, leading to confusion over who the "My Three Sons triplets" actually are today. As of December 2025, the surviving core cast members who are most often associated with the show's later years—Stanley Livingston (Chip), Barry Livingston (Ernie), and Tina Cole (Katie)—are still active, sharing new projects, hosting rare reunions, and reflecting on their iconic time on the show.

This article dives deep into the lives of the actors who played the three main sons, their wives, and the actual Douglas triplets. We look at their careers, recent appearances, and what they’ve been up to, from published memoirs to active roles in Hollywood and beyond, providing the freshest updates on one of television’s most enduring families.

The 'My Three Sons' Core Cast: A Biographical Snapshot

The term "My Three Sons triplets" often refers to the three most prominent surviving actors who grew up on the show: Stanley Livingston, Barry Livingston, and Tina Cole (who played the mother of the actual triplets). Here is a quick look at their profiles and roles in the Douglas family saga:

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• Stanley Livingston (Richard "Chip" Douglas)
  • Born: November 24, 1950 (Age 75 in 2025)
  • Role: Chip Douglas, the youngest of the original three Douglas brothers.
  • Career Highlights: Actor, producer, and director with a career spanning over six decades. He was the first of the three original sons to get married on the show.
• Barry Livingston (Ernie Thompson-Douglas)
  • Born: December 17, 1953 (Age 72 in 2025)
  • Role: Ernie Thompson, who was adopted to become Ernie Douglas, replacing Mike and Robbie as the third son. Barry is Stanley’s real-life younger brother.
  • Career Highlights: Continues to work actively in film and television. Known for his transition from a 1960s child star to a successful adult character actor.
• Tina Cole (Katie Miller-Douglas)
  • Born: August 4, 1943 (Age 82 in 2025)
  • Role: Katie Miller-Douglas, Robbie Douglas's wife and the mother of the actual Douglas triplets (Steve, Charley, and Robbie II).
  • Career Highlights: Actress, singer, and author. She was part of the singing group The King Family. She released a popular memoir about her life and career.

The Current Lives of Chip, Ernie, and Katie: Active Careers and Rare Reunions

Unlike many classic television casts who fade into retirement, the key surviving members of the My Three Sons cast remain engaged with their fans and the entertainment industry. Their recent activities provide a fresh look at their lives today.

1. Barry Livingston's Active Hollywood Career and Podcast Insights

Of the three, Barry Livingston (Ernie Douglas) maintains the most visible and active on-screen career. Now in his early 70s, Barry has successfully navigated the transition from child star to a versatile character actor. He is frequently cast in new projects, showcasing his enduring talent.

In recent years, he has made appearances on podcasts such as "Still Here Hollywood," where he openly discussed his experiences working alongside icons like Paul Newman and Elvis Presley, and how he survived the rigors of child stardom. He remains grateful for his enduring relationship with his former castmates and his ability to continue acting in Hollywood.

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2. Tina Cole's New Memoir and Mentorship Role

Tina Cole (Katie Douglas), who turns 82 in 2025, has channeled her lifelong experiences in the entertainment world into new creative and professional endeavors. Her major recent project is the release of her memoir, titled My Three Lives, which details her journey as an actress, singer, and producer.

Beyond her book, Cole has dedicated herself to mentoring the next generation of artists. She works with emerging artists and young business professionals, earning the affectionate nickname "Mama Swag." This mentorship role is a continuation of her long-held dream to teach, a dream she realized by working as an Elementary Counselor, for which she was named a "Celebrate Excellence Recipient" in 2024.

3. Stanley Livingston's Focus on Directing and Producing

Stanley Livingston (Chip Douglas), who appeared in the series for its entire 12-year run, has a career that spans over 68 years. While he is often described as retired from acting, his focus shifted years ago to the behind-the-scenes roles of producing and directing. His official website remains a central hub for his fans, showcasing his extensive work.

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Stanley and his brother Barry, along with other surviving cast members like Tina Cole and Dawn Lyn (Dodie Douglas), frequently participate in rare cast reunions and fan events. These gatherings provide a unique opportunity for fans of the classic sitcom to meet the Douglas family members, proving that the show's legacy continues to resonate deeply with audiences today.

The True Douglas Triplets: What Happened to Joe, Daniel, and Michael Todd?

The literal "My Three Sons triplets" were Robbie and Katie's sons—Steve, Charley, and Robbie II—who were born in the ninth season. These roles were played by the real-life Todd triplets: Joe, Daniel, and Michael Todd. They appeared in the show's final two seasons, serving as the third generation of Douglas boys.

Unlike the Livingston brothers, the Todd triplets largely disappeared from the public eye after the show concluded. Child actors who play infant or toddler roles often do not pursue acting careers into adulthood. The Todd brothers appear to have followed this path, choosing private lives away from Hollywood's spotlight.

One of the Todd brothers, Joe Todd, gave a rare interview a few years ago, confirming that the brothers have very few memories from their time on the set, as they were so young. Their story is a testament to the fact that for many child stars, especially those who start as infants, the acting role is a brief, early chapter rather than a lifelong career. The latest updates suggest they are living normal, private lives outside of the entertainment industry, allowing the legacy of the Douglas family to be carried by the older, main cast members like Stanley, Barry, and Tina.

Topical Authority Entities & LSI Keywords

• Core Cast & Characters: Stanley Livingston (Chip Douglas), Barry Livingston (Ernie Douglas), Tina Cole (Katie Douglas), Fred MacMurray (Steve Douglas), Don Grady (Robbie Douglas), Tim Considine (Mike Douglas), William Demerest (Uncle Charley), Dawn Lyn (Dodie Douglas).
• The Triplets: Steve Douglas II, Charley Douglas, Robbie Douglas II, Joe Todd, Daniel Todd, Michael Todd, Todd triplets.
• Show Details: Douglas family, classic television, sitcom, child star, My Three Lives memoir, Hollywood, cast reunion, Fred MacMurray ranch, 1960s TV.