‘My Three Sons’ Triplets Are All Grown up and Mature – They Quit Acting and Became Military Men

Decades after its conclusion, the beloved family sitcom “My Three Sons” remains a classic favorite. But what became of the real-life triplets who portrayed Robbie Douglas’ children? Let’s delve into their story.

A cherished fixture of television, “My Three Sons” captured the hearts of viewers throughout its twelve-season run from 1960 to 1972. Originally airing on ABC before transitioning to CBS, the show chronicled the adventures of the Douglas Family, whose escapades delighted audiences with each episode.

Renowned for its portrayal of non-traditional family dynamics, the series stands as an early example of television transcending conventional portrayals of family life, leaving an enduring legacy in its wake.

During the 1960s, “My Three Sons” stood as a cornerstone of both the ABC and CBS schedules, boasting a remarkable total of 380 episodes. Now, let’s delve into the talented casts who portrayed the iconic roles of the three sons on the show.

Tim Considine

In “My Three Sons,” 82-year-old American actor Tim Considine portrayed Mike Douglas, the eldest son of Steve Douglas. Mike resides with his widowed father for years, reaching an age where he begins to question his father’s decisions.

Departing the series in its fifth season, Mike marries and abruptly disappears from the show. Steve informs Mike’s siblings, Chip and Robbie, that their brother has embarked on a honeymoon, later revealing that Mike has relocated “eastward.”

Stanley Livingston took on the role of Steve Douglas‘ youngest son, often portrayed as the most naive of the trio. While his character may not be as memorable to some, he remains the sole witness to his father’s passing among the original three sons.

Don Grady

Don Grady, an American actor, portrayed Robbie Douglas, the brother of Mike Douglas and Chip Douglas, in the series. In one storyline, Robbie ties the knot as a teenager with his college sweetheart, Katie, and the couple welcomes triplets into their lives. However, Robbie eventually departs, leaving Katie to single-handedly raise their triplets.

Meet the Triplets

The triplets’ stint on the show lasted just two years, from 1970 to 1972, before “My Three Sons” ceased airing. Now, decades later, the triplets have undergone quite the transformation, blossoming into handsome individuals.

An intriguing Facebook post shared by American actress Tina Cole showcased a then-and-now snapshot of the siblings. The vintage black-and-white photo captured the trio as youngsters, dressed in matching attire.

In contrast, the recent image depicted the brothers all grown up, exuding joy and bearing a striking resemblance to one another.

Joe Todd, who portrayed Charley Douglas alongside his real-life siblings, Dan Todd and Michael Todd, provided insights into their roles. Joe recounted how their grandmother spotted a newspaper ad seeking twins for “My Three Sons.” seizing the opportunity, she proposed adding an extra cast member to meet the need for triplets.

This ingenious suggestion perfectly aligned with the premise of the sitcom, aptly titled “My Three Sons.” Unlike child actors chosen for their talent, Joe and his brothers were selected simply because they were siblings.

Recalling his time on set, Joe admitted to hazy memories of his experiences as a child actor. Nevertheless, he fondly remembered the warmth and kindness shown to them by the cast and crew. Reflecting on the impact of the show, Joe recognized its enduring popularity, which kept fans enthralled during its run.

Life after “My Three Sons”

Following their appearances on “My Three Sons,” Dan, Michael, and Joe ventured into the world of commercials, promoting products and establishments such as “Doublemint Chewing Gum” and the California restaurant chain “Mr. Steak,” among others.

In 1989, fans caught a glimpse of the trio on “The Joan Rivers Show.” However, their foray into the film industry proved brief, leading them down a different path altogether.

Subsequently, the brothers pursued higher education but eventually made the unconventional choice to enlist in the Army. According to Joe, this decision marked a pivotal moment in their lives, allowing them to forge their individual identities.

At the age of 19, the triplets embarked on their first tour of duty, stationed in various locations across Germany. Joe served in the Army’s medic department for 20 years before retiring in March 2007. Despite leaving active duty, he continued to impart his knowledge by teaching Soldier Medics at Fort Sam Houston and later transitioned to civil service.

Reflecting on his past, Joe acknowledged the challenges typically faced by former child stars. However, he viewed his own brief stint in acting as less defining, enabling him to navigate his subsequent endeavors with a sense of perspective and maturity.

Alternatively, he imparted the importance of resilience to both uniformed and civilian members of the MICC workforce. In contrast, Michael dedicated several years to military service as a combat engineer before transitioning into his current role as a teacher at the Army Medical Department at Camp Bullis.

As for Dan, he served in the Army for eight years before pursuing higher education at the University of Houston. Following his graduation, he ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing a small business in Houston.

A Reunion to Remember

In 2009, the cast of “My Three Sons” came together for a reunion on “The Early Show,” reflecting on their experiences working on the series. Livingston likened the journey to inhabiting a different world altogether.

During the reunion, the actors reminisced and shared light-hearted anecdotes about their roles and various scenes in the sitcom.

Cole, known for her portrayal of Katie, disclosed that tensions among some married characters occasionally spilled over onto the set, posing challenges for portraying couples convincingly.

However, there were moments of genuine connection captured on screen. In one memorable episode, the director, Frederick De Cordova, orchestrated a scene that culminated in Robbie and Katie sharing a heartfelt embrace. Livingston playfully suggested that this embrace may have inadvertently led to the birth of the triplets in the storyline.

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