TV history is a funny thing. You remember the black-and-white flickering screens, the catchy whistle of the theme song, and the sight of Fred MacMurray’s pipe smoke wafting through a middle-class living room. But then you realize that My Three Sons premiered in 1960. That's over sixty years ago. Naturally, fans start wondering who is still alive from My Three Sons as the decades pile up. It’s a bittersweet journey. Looking back at the cast of one of the longest-running sitcoms in television history feels like flipping through a dusty family photo album where some of the faces have inevitably faded.
The show survived for twelve seasons. It jumped from ABC to CBS. It transitioned from black-and-white to color. It even swapped out a son halfway through. People grew up with the Douglas boys. When you spend over a decade watching Chip, Robbie, Mike, and later Ernie navigate life, they start to feel like actual neighbors.
The heartbreaking reality of the Douglas household
The truth is, time hasn't been particularly kind to the original adult cast. Fred MacMurray, the patriarch who played Steve Douglas with that signature "distracted but wise" energy, passed away in 1991. He was the glue. William Frawley, who played Bub, died while the show was still in its prime in 1966. His successor, William Demarest (Uncle Charley), stayed until the end but passed away in 1983.
But what about the boys? That’s usually what people mean when they ask who is still alive from My Three Sons. They want to know about the kids who grew up in front of the world.
Tim Considine: The eldest son's departure
Tim Considine, who played the eldest son Mike Douglas, is no longer with us. He passed away fairly recently, in March 2022, at the age of 81. Tim was an interesting guy. He didn't just want to be a sitcom star. In fact, he famously grew tired of the "teen idol" grind and left the show in 1965 because he wanted to direct and explore other creative outlets.
His character was written out after Mike got married and moved away. It left a hole in the show that was eventually filled by an adoption storyline. Tim was a car enthusiast, a writer, and a photographer. He lived a full life away from the Hollywood spotlight that many of his contemporaries couldn't quite escape. His death marked the first loss of the original three brothers, which hit the nostalgia community pretty hard.
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Don Grady: The heartbeat of the show
Don Grady played Robbie Douglas, the middle son with the musical talent. Unfortunately, Don passed away in 2012 after a battle with cancer. He was only 68. For many, Robbie was the "cool" brother. Don Grady was a massive talent in real life, too. He wasn't just acting when he sat at the drums or the piano on screen; he was a legitimate composer and musician who went on to have a successful career scoring films and theater after the show ended.
Losing Don so relatively young was a shock. He represented the bridge between the early 60s wholesome era and the slightly more mature themes the show tackled toward its end in 1972.
The surviving brothers: Stanley and Barry Livingston
If you're looking for the answer to who is still alive from My Three Sons, the focus shifts to the two youngest members of the cast. Stanley Livingston and Barry Livingston are both still alive and active.
Stanley Livingston played "Chip" Douglas. He was the only son to stay for the entire twelve-season run. Think about that for a second. He started as a little kid and ended as a married man. He basically lived his entire childhood on a soundstage. Today, Stanley is in his 70s. He hasn't just sat around dwelling on the past, though. He’s been involved in production, directing, and even founded the "The Actors Journey," a project designed to help young actors navigate the industry. He’s often the one you’ll see at reunions or doing interviews about the show's legacy. He’s a survivor in more ways than one.
Then there’s Barry Livingston. Barry played Ernie. Now, if you’re a purist, you remember that Ernie wasn’t originally a Douglas. He was the kid next door who was eventually adopted by Steve Douglas after Mike (Tim Considine) left the show.
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Barry is arguably the most recognizable face today because he never stopped working. Seriously. Check his IMDb. He’s been in Mad Men, The Social Network, Bosch, and countless other modern shows. He transitioned from being the nerdy kid with the thick glasses to a prolific character actor. Barry is very much alive, very active on social media, and often shares behind-the-scenes stories about his time on the set. He even wrote a book, The Importance of Being Ernie, which is a fantastic read if you want the unvarnished truth about being a child star in the 60s.
Tina Cole and the extended family
While not one of the "sons," Tina Cole played Katie, Robbie’s wife. She is still alive and remains very close with the Livingston brothers. She’s often seen at fan conventions and is a vital part of the show’s enduring community.
Dawn Lyn, who played Dodie (Steve’s stepdaughter in the later seasons), has faced some health struggles recently. In late 2022, it was reported she fell into a coma following brain surgery. Her brother, Leif Garrett, and her former co-stars like Stanley Livingston have shared updates over the years, asking for prayers and support. Her situation has been a point of concern for fans of the later seasons of the show.
Why the show's cast health matters to us
It’s about more than just trivia. When we ask who is still alive from My Three Sons, we’re often checking in on our own childhoods. The show represented a specific kind of American stability. Steve Douglas was the single dad doing his best, a rarity for 1960s TV.
Watching the cast age is a reminder of the passage of time. But seeing Stanley and Barry Livingston still thriving gives a sense of continuity. They are the keepers of the flame. They represent a bridge to an era of television that was structured, wholesome, and, despite its flaws, deeply comforting.
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Misconceptions about the "Curse"
Sometimes you'll hear people talk about a "curse" on old sitcom casts. Honestly? That's nonsense. When you look at the My Three Sons cast, you see people who lived long, productive lives. Tim Considine lived to 81. William Demarest lived to 91. Fred MacMurray lived to 83. These aren't tragic Hollywood endings; they are natural life cycles. The fact that two of the "boys" are still here, healthy and working, is actually a testament to the relatively stable environment the show provided compared to the chaotic child-star stories we see today.
What you can do to preserve the legacy
If you're a fan who wants to dive deeper than just a Google search, there are a few things you should actually do.
First, go find Barry Livingston's memoir. It’s not just a "where are they now" fluff piece; it’s a legitimate look at the industry. Second, check out some of the restored episodes. Seeing the Douglas family in high definition reminds you why the show worked—the chemistry between the brothers was real.
Lastly, support the living cast members at appearances. Stanley and Barry are frequent guests at nostalgia conventions like the Hollywood Show or various "Autograph Show" events. They enjoy meeting fans and hearing how the show impacted people's lives.
The Douglas family might not be complete anymore, but the impact of My Three Sons stays relevant because the themes of brotherhood and fatherhood don't really have an expiration date. Knowing that Chip and Ernie are still out there, doing well, makes the reruns feel just a little bit warmer.
Practical Next Steps for Fans:
- Track the Filmography: Follow Barry Livingston on social media to see his modern character work; it's a great game of "spot the Douglas."
- Read the History: Pick up The Importance of Being Ernie for the best first-hand account of the set.
- Support the Archive: Look for official DVD releases rather than low-quality streams to ensure the show's visual history is preserved for the next generation.