If you ask an average assortment of people to list the most important male sex symbols of all time, chances are Don Grady's name won't be on any of the lists. Well, this is what happens when you talk to an average assortment of people. But if you're careful to limit your survey to only refined and sophisticated people, then you're likely to find yourself immersed in some really deep and profound discussions on an extensive array of topics, from David Nelson all the way to Ricky Martin. And, of course, Don Grady's name just about always comes up in these discussions.

It's really not all that strange to mention the sex appeal of a former Mouseketeer when you consider that the beloved Annette Funicello -- the ultimate Mouseketeer -- virtually invented puberty as we know it around 1956. Annette, of course, left the Disney Factory and managed to reinvent herself as the Goddess of the AIP surf scene. Don Grady, on the other hand, remained in television and from 1960 to 1972 was the centerpiece of My Three Sons, one of the most popular family sitcoms of all time. Well, actually he was the whole show for a lot of people. Maybe a few hundred people tuned in each week to see Tim Considine and maybe a couple of other people tuned in for Stanley Livingston, but the show's real success depended on the boyish charm and, well, pulchritude of the middle son, Robbie Douglas, as played by Don Grady.

 

My Three Sons:
Michael Francis O'Casey and nephew Robbie
William Frawley played "Bub" (1960-1964)

Since Don Grady is primarily remembered for playing Robbie Douglas, one just about has to assume that he never had any burning desire to become a "major TV personality" or crossover to superstardom in the movies. In fact, information at IMDb reveals no feature film acting credits at all and only a handful of TV appearances before and after his years on My Three Sons. IMDb also lists a few composer credits, but if you investigate this area of his career at mousestars.com you'll be astounded at his accomplishments. Obviously, his fans are just grateful he never got mixed up with those kids from Diff'rent Strokes or, worse, faded completely into obscurity the way so many others did. Reruns of My Three Sons will probably go on forever, so Don's status as a cult sex symbol is secure for now. As for where he's been for the past three billion years, we're not sure, but we're willing to bet that any guy who could play Robbie Douglas that convincingly is pretty secure in his own head and can't be bothered with the downside of the showbiz rat race.

My Three Sons:
Mr. and Mrs. Robbie Douglas
Tina Cole played Katie Miller Douglas (1967-1972)