Among the choices for those looking for a wholesome, accessible television show, few fit the bill quite like My Three Sons, which married sweet humor, lovable family relationships, and fun characters to become a flagship series on ABC and CBS. Integral to this formula was actor Stanley Livingston, who played the youngest boy, Chip. But what is he up to now, over five decades after the series ended?
Stanley Livingston was born on November 24, 1950, in Los Angeles, California. He was around eight years old when he landed his first gig, a small role on The Bonnie Parker Story where he was credited only as Little Boy. Later that year, he had a named role as Peter Bannerman in Rally ‘Round the Flag, Boys! From then on, he continued to land named roles, including in the comedy film Please Don’t Eat the Daisies.
Are Barry and Stanley Livingston real brothers?
Acting is a family affair, as is acting like a family, since Stanley calls Barry Livingston his real-life brother. This relationship would make them a perfect team when little brother Barry joined the cast of My Three Sons as Ernie, the final, adopted, Douglas son.
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The basis of My Three Sons was embedded strongly in its title, which acted as a guiding premise. Playing the youngest Douglas child when he was roughly ten, he represented a strong ties to youthfulness and coming-of-age tales. As a result, audiences got to see and follow along his and Chip’s life through several key and relatable stages. He also provided a helpful connection that allowed the show to keep its three-member roster of sons.
A man of many talents
While growing up in front of the camera, Livingston also built a personal life separate from Chip’s. By 18, he married Sandra Livingston, a go-go dancer, and together they had a daughter, Samantha Livingston. They split in ’74, then, in 2015, he married Paula Drake and they remain together to this day.
Livingston would continue to populate his filmography as an actor, adding Room 222, X-15, How the West Was Won, and more to his resume. But he also has worked as a director and producer. In the early 2000s, he primarily put together children’s shows on PBS. At 72, he also keeps his own website updated to keep fans fully informed of his latest activities!