Don Grady and Tina Cole | Tina Cole and son Volney | Source: facebook.com/OfficialTinaCole | Getty Images
At 80 years old, Tina Cole remains an icon in the hearts of many, with her beauty and talent shining through the years, just as it did during her time on "My Three Sons." Years ago, she was in an off-screen relationship with her on-screen husband, Don Grady, but she rejected his marriage proposal.
Tina Cole, the beloved actress famous for her role as the sweet and bubbly Katie Miller Douglas in the sixties sitcom "My Three Sons," just turned 80. On August 10, 2022, she posted a heartwarming picture on Facebook of herself with her son by her side as they blew out a candle.
The caption "8-4-2022" seems to suggest that the picture was taken on August 4, 2022, which is Cole's birthday. She celebrates this special day with her son, Volney Howard, who was born on the eve of her birthday.
Comments poured in, praising her timeless beauty and reminiscing about her unforgettable presence on the show.
Cole's career in the entertainment industry has been nothing short of remarkable. She began her journey with dreams of becoming an elementary school teacher but found herself drawn to acting and music. At the age of 19, she made her television debut on "Hawaiian Eye" and later became part of the musical group "The Four King Cousins" and "The King Family Show."
Tina Cole, Don Grady, Fred MacMurray, and Beverly Garland. | Source: Getty Images
But, it was her role as Katie in "My Three Sons" that catapulted her to stardom. Interestingly, this wasn't Cole's first appearance on the show. Before portraying the beloved Katie, she played various roles in different episodes.
Despite initial reservations from co-star Don Grady, who played Robbie Douglas, Cole's character of Katie felt entirely natural. In fact, Cole's on-screen portrayal was so authentic that she didn't have to put much effort into becoming the character.
Don Grady and Tina Cole on November 25, 1977. | Source: Getty Images
Tina Cole's Off-Screen Relationship with Don Grady
During an interview with Fox News in 2020, Cole opened up about her relationship with the cast of "My Three Sons," specifically with Grady, who portrayed Robbie on the show. Initially, Grady had reservations about Cole being cast in the show, but they eventually developed a close bond.
Two years after Cole joined the show, she went through a divorce and found herself working with Grady on telethons. Their shared passion for music brought them closer, and they fell madly in love. Grady expressed his desire to marry Cole, but she hesitated because she had a son from her previous marriage.
Tina Cole and Don Grady on the set of "My Three Sons." | Source: Getty Images
He eventually got married to someone else, but their love didn't fade away. They met again in a reunion show with "The Partridge Family." They rekindled their relationship when Grady's marriage ended. However, when Grady expressed his desire to go to New York and try Broadway, Cole told him she would go with him only as his wife.
Unfortunately, Grady wanted her to come as a friend. They never married, but their love remained strong for many years, and they cherished their bond deeply.
Tina Cole's Family after Don Grady
While she held a deep affection for him, Cole went on to start to expand her family and had three more children. She is a proud mother of two sons and two daughters. Cole cherishes her role as a mother and grandmother, and her social media posts reflect the joy she finds in spending time with her family.
From time to time, Cole shares pictures on Facebook capturing the good times she spends with them. On April 25, 2019, she shared a series of photos capturing a wonderful Easter celebration. In one picture, she called it a "mini" Thanksgiving gathering with her girls and their families.
Cole's happiness extends to being a grandmother, and she enjoys creating beautiful memories with her grandchildren. She also posted a picture surrounded by her loved ones, including her grandchildren: Chloe, Cole, Maddux, Logan, and Samantha.
As of July 1, 2023, Cole continues to relish the joys of grandmotherhood. She posted a photo of herself with her oldest granddaughter, spending one-on-one time together to celebrate her granddaughter's birthday. The day was marked by a trip to see "Cinderella" live, creating a magical memory for both of them.
While Cole doesn't currently have a partner, she embraces life with a positive attitude and a sense of contentment. She jokes that she hasn't yet met a man she'd trade a good book for, emphasizing that happiness is a choice.
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