When Tina Cole stepped into the role of Katie Miller Douglas on the beloved family sitcom My Three Sons, she became the first female regular on the show. In a recent chat with Closer, Tina shared her experience of navigating the delicate balance between being sweet and feisty without crossing into syrupy or bitchy territory. But her journey wasn’t without challenges. She revealed that co-star Don Grady, who played her on-screen husband Robbie, initially resisted her casting. “I later discovered that Don didn’t think I was the right fit for Robbie,” Tina said with a laugh. It’s safe to say she proved him wrong!
A Timeless Classic: The Magic of 'My Three Sons'
From 1960 to 1972, My Three Sons captivated audiences with its heartwarming story of a widower, played by the legendary Fred MacMurray, raising his family alongside his curmudgeonly in-law. Tina, now 80, made her debut as Katie in the show’s eighth season when Robbie decided to pop the question to his girlfriend. She had already guest-starred in a couple of early episodes, but her arrival as a series regular brought a fresh energy to the show. “I remember thinking, ‘This is my chance to really connect with the audience,’” Tina recalled. Her character’s introduction marked a turning point for the series, adding a new layer of depth and relatability to the family dynamic.
Awkward Beginnings: The Challenges of On-Screen Chemistry
Ironically, Tina and Don’s initial chemistry wasn’t exactly electric. In fact, it was downright awkward at times. “Our first kiss was… well, let’s just say it wasn’t perfect,” Tina admitted with a chuckle. The director had to call “cut” multiple times, urging them to pretend they liked each other. “We were sent to a corner to practice kissing until we got it right,” she recalled. Despite the rocky start, their on-screen relationship eventually blossomed into something special, both in front of and behind the camera.
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Fred MacMurray: The Heart of the Show
Tina’s bond with Fred MacMurray, the series’ patriarch, was nothing short of magical. She credits him with making her feel instantly welcome. “Fred and his wife, June, were so warm and inviting during my audition. I knew right away that I was in good hands,” she said. On her very first day of filming, Fred surprised her with a massive bouquet of flowers. “People were shocked because Fred was known for being frugal. But he went all out for me, and it meant the world.” Off-screen, Fred was a man of few words, but his presence spoke volumes. “He had this incredible ability to convey so much with just a raised eyebrow. Watching him work was like watching a masterclass in acting,” Tina reminisced.
An Unrequited Love Story: Tina and Don's Off-Screen Romance
While their on-screen chemistry eventually improved, Tina and Don’s real-life connection took things a step further. Around three years into her time on the show, the two began dating. “We were absolutely crazy about each other,” Tina confessed. However, their love story wasn’t destined to have a fairy-tale ending. “He asked me to marry him, but I wasn’t ready at the time. A few years later, I was ready, but he wasn’t,” she explained. Despite their unrequited love, they remained close friends and colleagues throughout the series’ run.
A Legacy That Lives On
In 1972, the cast and crew were blindsided when the network canceled My Three Sons after an impressive 12-season run. “We were absolutely devastated. It felt like the end of an era,” Tina said. But the show’s legacy has endured, finding new fans through syndication and streaming platforms. “It’s been on the air continuously since 1972. People still tell me how much they loved being part of our family. They admired the gentle, wise father figure and the closeness of the family,” she noted. Even though the series didn’t start as a traditional nuclear family, it evolved into one, resonating deeply with viewers who long for that sense of connection.
