Meet Tina Cole, the talented actress who became the first female regular on the beloved family sitcom My Three Sons as Katie Miller Douglas. In a candid conversation with Closer, Tina opens up about the delicate balance she had to strike in her role. "I had to be sweet, but not overly saccharine; I had to be spirited, but not overly aggressive," she explains. But that wasn't the only challenge she faced. Tina reveals an unexpected hurdle: Don Grady, who played her on-screen husband Robbie, initially opposed her casting. "It wasn't until later that I learned Don fought against my inclusion. He simply didn't think I was the right fit for Robbie," she shares with a laugh.
A Decade of Laughter and Legacy
From 1960 to 1972, My Three Sons captivated audiences with its heartwarming portrayal of a widower, played by the legendary Fred MacMurray, raising his family alongside his quirky in-law. Tina, now 80, first appeared as a guest star in two early episodes before stepping into the role of Katie in the show's eighth season. Her character's introduction came when Robbie decided to propose to his girlfriend, setting the stage for a memorable chapter in the series. "I was thrilled to join the cast and bring Katie's unique energy to the screen," Tina reflects.
The Awkward Beginnings of a TV Romance
Ironically, Tina and Don's on-screen chemistry didn't come naturally at first. In fact, their kissing scenes were anything but smooth. "The first time we kissed, it was so awkward that the director had to call 'cut' and remind us to pretend we liked each other," Tina recalls with a chuckle. To perfect their on-screen romance, Tina was sent to a corner to "practice" kissing with Don until they finally nailed it. Despite the initial awkwardness, their chemistry eventually blossomed into a genuine friendship and even a romantic connection off-screen.
Read also:Tom Selleck Celebrates Turning 80 With Family And Friends
Fred MacMurray: The Quiet Giant of Comedy
Tina didn't face the same challenges with series star Fred MacMurray, whose warmth and humor made an immediate impression. During her audition, Tina met Fred and his wife, June, and instantly hit it off. "On my very first day, I received a stunning bouquet of flowers from Fred. People were surprised because Fred was known for his frugality," she says with a smile. Despite his reserved nature in private, Fred came alive in front of the camera. "He was a master of subtlety. With just one raised eyebrow, he could convey more than most actors could with their entire bodies," Tina marvels. "Watching and learning from him was an invaluable experience."
A Missed Opportunity: Tina and Don's Unrequited Love
Don's feelings for Tina evolved over time, leading to a surprising twist in their professional relationship. About three years into Tina's time on the show, the two began dating. "We were absolutely crazy about each other," Tina confesses. However, their busy schedules and timing issues prevented them from tying the knot. "Don proposed, but I wasn't ready at the time," Tina explains. Years later, when Tina was ready to commit, Don hesitated. "It was one of those unrequited love stories," she reflects with a bittersweet smile.
A Legacy That Endures
In 1972, after 12 unforgettable seasons, the network made the shocking decision to cancel My Three Sons. The cast was left "shocked" and "devastated" by the news. Yet, the show's legacy lives on through syndication and streaming platforms. "It hasn't been off the air since 1972," Tina proudly notes. Fans continue to connect with the show's timeless themes of family and togetherness. "People loved the gentle wisdom of the dad. They cherished the closeness of our family," Tina says. "Even though we didn't start as a traditional nuclear family, we became one, and I think that's what resonates with audiences."
