The Tragic & Triumphant Lives: Where Is The 'My Three Sons' Cast Now In 2024?

Few classic sitcoms hold a place in American television history quite like My Three Sons. Running for 12 seasons from 1960 to 1972, the series chronicled the life of widower Steve Douglas and his boys, becoming a comforting staple of family viewing for over a decade. The beloved cast went through significant changes during its run, including the replacement of the oldest son and two different live-in grandfathers, making the show's legacy one of constant evolution.

As of late 2025, fans are still deeply curious about the actors who brought the Douglas family to life. While several beloved stars have passed away, the surviving "sons" and their on-screen wives remain active in Hollywood and the convention circuit, often sharing new, candid details about their time on the groundbreaking series and their current projects.

The Complete 'My Three Sons' Cast: A Full Biography Profile

The cast of My Three Sons saw many changes over its 12-year run. Here is a comprehensive look at the main actors who defined the Douglas family, including their birth and death dates, and their most famous role in the classic sitcom.

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• Fred MacMurray (Steve Douglas)
  • Born: August 30, 1908
  • Died: November 5, 1991 (Age 83)
  • Role: The widowed patriarch, an aeronautical engineer, who raised his sons. MacMurray was a major film star who famously insisted on a unique filming schedule that allowed him to complete his scenes in just a few weeks.
• William Frawley (William Michael Francis "Bub" O'Casey)
  • Born: February 26, 1887
  • Died: March 3, 1966 (Age 79)
  • Role: Steve's father-in-law and the boys' maternal grandfather, a beloved character actor best known as Fred Mertz on I Love Lucy. He left the show in 1965 due to declining health and passed away shortly after.
• William Demarest (Uncle Charlie O'Casey)
  • Born: February 27, 1892
  • Died: December 28, 1983 (Age 91)
  • Role: Bub's brother, who replaced him as the live-in caretaker from 1965 until the show's end. He was nominated for a Golden Globe for the role.
• Tim Considine (Mike Douglas)
  • Born: December 31, 1940
  • Died: March 3, 2022 (Age 81)
  • Role: The original oldest son, Mike. Considine left the series in 1965 after the fifth season to pursue other interests, including a career as a writer and automotive historian.
• Don Grady (Robbie Douglas)
  • Born: June 8, 1944 (as Don Louis Agrati)
  • Died: June 27, 2012 (Age 68)
  • Role: The middle son, Robbie. Grady was a former Mouseketeer and a prolific musician who composed music for film and television after the show, including the theme for The Phil Donahue Show.
• Stanley Livingston (Richard "Chip" Douglas)
  • Born: November 24, 1950
  • Role: The youngest (original) son, Chip. Livingston is a surviving main cast member and remains active in the industry as a producer, director, and editor.
• Barry Livingston (Ernie Thompson-Douglas)
  • Born: December 17, 1953
  • Role: The adopted youngest son, Ernie, who replaced Mike. Barry is Stanley’s real-life younger brother, and his character was famously the first on TV to wear glasses as a child.
• Tina Cole (Katie Miller-Douglas)
  • Born: August 4, 1943
  • Role: Robbie's wife, Katie. Cole is a surviving main cast member who has since worked as a director for the Sacramento Children's Theatre and as an acting coach.
• Dawn Lyn (Dodie Douglas)
  • Born: January 11, 1963
  • Role: The adopted daughter, Dodie. Lyn is the younger sister of 70s teen idol Leif Garrett.

The Surviving Douglas Family: Current Projects and Recent Reunions

The core of the surviving Douglas family—Stanley Livingston (Chip), Barry Livingston (Ernie), and Tina Cole (Katie)—have kept the show's legacy alive through public appearances and new projects, offering fans fresh insight into their lives on and off the set.

The Livingston Brothers: From Child Stars to Hollywood Veterans

Stanley and Barry Livingston, who played brothers Chip and Ernie, continue to work in the entertainment industry and often appear together at fan events. Stanley Livingston, now in his 70s, has transitioned successfully behind the camera, working as a producer, director, and editor on various projects.

Stanley has often discussed the unique experience of growing up on the show, noting his longevity in a notoriously difficult industry. After the death of Tim Considine in 2022, Stanley became the last surviving "original" son from the series' debut.

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His real-life brother, Barry Livingston, who joined the show in 1963 as the adopted Ernie, has had an active career in television and film for over six decades. Barry has appeared in numerous TV shows and movies, but he has recently gained attention for candid interviews reflecting on the challenges of child stardom and his life on the set. Barry spoke about his experiences on the show in a 2024 episode of "The Jim Masters Show," ensuring the show remains in the current news cycle.

Tina Cole and Dawn Lyn: Keeping the Female Legacy Alive

Tina Cole, who played Robbie's wife Katie, is another surviving cast member who frequently attends classic TV conventions. Cole has channeled her experience into mentoring the next generation, notably directing the Sacramento Children's Theatre and working as an acting coach.

Dawn Lyn, who played the adopted daughter Dodie, has also been a focus of recent news. In 2022, Lyn suffered a severe health scare, undergoing brain surgery that left her in a coma. Thankfully, her brother, Leif Garrett, provided updates on her miraculous recovery, a story that brought the cast and fans together in support.

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In a treat for fans, a rare reunion event was scheduled to feature Stanley Livingston, Barry Livingston, Tina Cole, and Dawn Lyn, highlighting the enduring bond of the surviving cast members and their willingness to connect with their audience.

The Tragic Fates of the Douglas Patriarchs and Sons

The long run of My Three Sons means that many of the beloved actors have passed away, but their legacies endure through syndication and streaming.

Fred MacMurray (Steve Douglas), the cornerstone of the show, passed away in 1991. His unique contract, which allowed him to film all his scenes in a condensed schedule, was revolutionary for television at the time and contributed to the show's ability to run for so long.

William Frawley (Bub), who helped anchor the show in its early years, passed away in 1966 shortly after leaving the series due to health issues. His replacement, William Demarest (Uncle Charlie), carried on the role of the lovable, grumpy caretaker until the end of the series, passing away in 1983.

The first of the sons to pass was Don Grady (Robbie), who died in 2012 after a battle with cancer. Grady's post-show career as an accomplished composer cemented his status as a multi-talented artist, not just a former child star.

More recently, Tim Considine (Mike), the original oldest son, died in 2022. Considine had largely stepped away from acting, focusing on his passion for photography and writing, particularly on the subject of classic automobiles.

The story of the My Three Sons cast is a poignant reflection of Hollywood history. While the Douglas family on screen was a picture of stability, the lives of the actors have seen the full spectrum of success, tragedy, and enduring passion for the craft. The fact that the surviving members continue to embrace their roles and connect with fans in 2024 and beyond is a testament to the show’s powerful, lasting impact on American culture.