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The Importance of Being Ernie:: From My Three Sons to Mad Men, a Hollywood Survivor Tells All
I SPENT MY ENTIRE LIFE PLAYING NERDS. . .—Barry Livingston A true Hollywood survivor, Barry Livingston is one of the few child stars who turned early success into a lifelong career. As "Ernie" on the 1960s sit-com My Three Sons—which also featured his real-life brother Stanley as "Chip"—Barry become instantly recognizable for his horn-rimmed glasses and goofy charm. Five decades later, after working on TV shows like Mad Men and Desperate Housewives, and in feature films like Zodiac and The Social Network, Barry Livingston is one actor who knows The Importance of Being Ernie. . . In this fascinating and funny memoir, Barry reveals his most unforgettable Working on set with Fred McMurray, Ozzie and Harriet, Lucille Ball and Dick Van Dyke. Riding a limousine with Elvis Presley. Trying to upstage Ron "Opie" Howard. Even shooting a Superbowl beer commercial with Brad Pitt. At first, Barry's lazy eye and horn-rimmed glasses nearly derailed his career, getting him kicked off his first major film starring Paul Newman. Eventually, his "nerdy" look became his biggest asset, landing Barry a recurring role on Ozzie & Harriet and a regular part on My Three Sons. Fifty years later, Barry is still going strong—from the stage and small screen to to featured film roles opposite Adam Sandler and Robert Downey, Jr.. Like most Hollywood actors, Barry experienced some incredible highs and lows along the way, but he never gave up. "I've been around half a century," he affirms. "And I'm not going away." This is how one child star beat the odds and survived the dark side of the Hollywood dream factory—with charm, wit, determination. . .and big horn-rimmed glasses. This is The Importance of Being Ernie.Barry Livingston has been a professional actor on stage and screen for more than fifty years. Best known for his role as "Ernie" on the long-running TV program, My Three Sons, Livingston continues to appear regularly in feature films and television shows. He is married with two children, and lives in Los Angeles.Praise For The Importance Of Being Ernie "This wryly told saga of a child star who miraculously avoided the crash-and-burn fate of so many of the once-famous. . . an engaging tale of the unusual life of a humorous, modest, and observant man. Barry Livingston delivers a frank and funny tale of TV, movies, and family life." —Brent Maddock, co-author of Tremors and Short Circuit "For a child star, he's almost normal. This poor kid had to sit on William Frawley's lap; we're lucky he's not on a roof with a rifle. . .. Barry is one of those rare child stars who grew up to become an accomplished adult actor. Having logged fifty years in show business, working with everyone from Lucille Ball and Jack Benny to Brad Pitt and Robert Downey, Jr., he's got a great story to tell." —Paul Jackson, Producer Charmed and Sliders. "I have known Barry Livingston since he was nine years old. He always made me laugh. Now he's kept me awake reading his wonderful autobiography. There's a lot of talent in those size eight shoes." —Gene Reynolds, director of TV's M.A.S.H.and Promised Land
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 20, 2024
Barry Livingston writes a memoir of his life starting out as a child actor and his decades of experience as an actor. one of his most famous roles was "Ernie Douglas" the youngest adopted son on "My Three Sons" He writes of the roles he had over the years. the actors he has worked with. the ups and downs of his career. this book was written over a decade ago. He is still a working actor today. A nice read.
January 13, 2020
When I was growing up, My Three Sons was one of my all-time-favorite shows. And Ernie Douglas used to just crack me up. He was probably my favorite actor on the show, certainly my favorite of the "sons." I had this book on my "to read" shelf for a long time. I wish I had read it sooner.
Barry Livingston has had a truly interesting life. He is a good writer and a funny guy. It was amazing to me how many people in show business he knows/knew. From riding around in a Cadillac with Elvis to making a pass at Myrna Loy.
There are some parts that I found sad. Very little is held back. So if you want to keep sweet little innocent Ernie as a cherished memory, there are parts of this that could tarnish that for you. But overall, it is an interesting book about an interesting life. I am glad that he has landed on his feet and has a good life.
Barry Livingston has had a truly interesting life. He is a good writer and a funny guy. It was amazing to me how many people in show business he knows/knew. From riding around in a Cadillac with Elvis to making a pass at Myrna Loy.
There are some parts that I found sad. Very little is held back. So if you want to keep sweet little innocent Ernie as a cherished memory, there are parts of this that could tarnish that for you. But overall, it is an interesting book about an interesting life. I am glad that he has landed on his feet and has a good life.
September 17, 2023
I got this thinking it would be typical of these autobiographies; some of his memories, career downturn then small comeback. No.
It’s an up and down as is life. He has some good William Frawley stories. I learned about Fred McMurray and his work ethic. In total shock and amazed reading about Livingston’s innocent kiss with Myrna Loy.
Dinner theater was seen as a sad career move for years. Livingston did time there, but he met future stars and traveled. He made it sound exciting. He didn’t have a sad downturn. It isn’t a total glorification of his career either.
It had good stories and interesting straight through.
It’s an up and down as is life. He has some good William Frawley stories. I learned about Fred McMurray and his work ethic. In total shock and amazed reading about Livingston’s innocent kiss with Myrna Loy.
Dinner theater was seen as a sad career move for years. Livingston did time there, but he met future stars and traveled. He made it sound exciting. He didn’t have a sad downturn. It isn’t a total glorification of his career either.
It had good stories and interesting straight through.
June 8, 2022
A delightful read. It is always interesting to learn how some of my favorite television actors from childhood became who they were and are today. Although Berry Livingston's childhood and coming of age may differ somewhat from the "average Joe," there are enough similarities in growing up that we can all relate. Mr. Livingston's storytelling is humorous without being trite which made for a most pleasurable read.
February 20, 2023
This was a Kindle Unlimited book that I read in snatches in breaks from reading other books. While I certainly remember My Three Sons from my childhood, where I watched prime time TV endlessly, I don’t remember even one specific episode of the show, and have never thought about streaming reruns anywhere.
I do remember the characters well, though, including Ernie and Chip. They were brothers in real life, and Barry Livingston had nothing bad to say about his brother Stanley or any of the other characters in the series. Well, he did point out how tight-fisted Fred MacMurray was in real life, but that was already well known, and often joked about by comedians at the time.
The author did say something very disturbing about Raymond Burr, however, after doing an Ironside episode, but part of that was known, although not the most disturbing part of that. This is not a gossip or sour grapes memoir, however. Mr. Livingston did not become a has-been actor after he grew up and was no longer so cute. He continued working in the business and in theatres.
Yes, he had his rebellious drug stage and such, but he overcame any addiction or mental anguish problems. Plus, he happily married and had two children, where he became Mr. Mom, while his wife worked a 9-5 job. This memoir is a lightweight read, that showed not all child actors end up damaged or dead, and was indeed interesting to read in snatches between heavier reading.
I do remember the characters well, though, including Ernie and Chip. They were brothers in real life, and Barry Livingston had nothing bad to say about his brother Stanley or any of the other characters in the series. Well, he did point out how tight-fisted Fred MacMurray was in real life, but that was already well known, and often joked about by comedians at the time.
The author did say something very disturbing about Raymond Burr, however, after doing an Ironside episode, but part of that was known, although not the most disturbing part of that. This is not a gossip or sour grapes memoir, however. Mr. Livingston did not become a has-been actor after he grew up and was no longer so cute. He continued working in the business and in theatres.
Yes, he had his rebellious drug stage and such, but he overcame any addiction or mental anguish problems. Plus, he happily married and had two children, where he became Mr. Mom, while his wife worked a 9-5 job. This memoir is a lightweight read, that showed not all child actors end up damaged or dead, and was indeed interesting to read in snatches between heavier reading.
February 8, 2023
I bought this book because I remember watching My Three Sons and because I enjoy autobiographies and biographies. I have to say that I was not disappointed! While some of the author's memories of past deeds surprised me (as did his explanation of Fred McMurray's personality), it was still interesting.
I read over half the book in one night, slept for 6 hours, and then got up and finished it!
I must admit that it took me back to my youth when television was still something to marvel at (even with only 3 channels and in black and white at first). The author was also quite good at going back and forth between his outside life and life at the film and television studios. I especially liked the part where he met and took a limo ride with Elvis and then one later in life with Myrna Loy. It's memories like this that give a different view of other celebrities (namely Elvis and Myrna). I also like the fact that Barry Livingston didn't shy away from telling of his misdeeds, drug use, and other issues.
I read over half the book in one night, slept for 6 hours, and then got up and finished it!
I must admit that it took me back to my youth when television was still something to marvel at (even with only 3 channels and in black and white at first). The author was also quite good at going back and forth between his outside life and life at the film and television studios. I especially liked the part where he met and took a limo ride with Elvis and then one later in life with Myrna Loy. It's memories like this that give a different view of other celebrities (namely Elvis and Myrna). I also like the fact that Barry Livingston didn't shy away from telling of his misdeeds, drug use, and other issues.
April 30, 2023
I enjoyed watching "My Three Sons" growing up and reruns later, that said Ernie was not my favorite character, I really had no opinion bad or good. I found it interesting that watching "The Dick Van Dyke" and "The Lucy Show" that Barry Livingston had appeared in these two shows and I watched out for the episodes where he appeared. After reading his autobiography, I come away not being enamored with him but see him as another Hollywood actor, nothing spectacular. His drug use and some scenarios were off putting to me, probably others would disagree. I think that his parents could have been treated differently, not that he was that rough but enough, whereas his brother was treated kinder which is the right way, in my opinion. I will say that his marriage and family is something to be proud of especially that many nowadays have a hard time lasting in for a little while. I will say that this book held my interest to the end though many times I did cringe. I am a fan of the older shows which brings back a more a wholesome feel that modern show rarely do.
September 23, 2017
I loved this book!!! If you are a baby boomer you know who Ernie Douglas is...and Chip and Robbie and Mike and Bub and Uncle Charley, Mr. Douglas and Tramp. Barry Livingston has written a fun, honest and very, very entertaining book about the trials and tribulations of being a child actor. He takes his readers along for the journey as he struggled to remain a working character actor. Big Hollywood names a'plenty in his reminiscences; Lucy, Elvis and Myrna Loy to Adam Sandler, Brad Pitt and Robert Downey, Jr. to name a few. His book is unpretentious, amusing and extremely "readable". I enjoyed every page as he filled them with his special memories. Barry, I would stand in line for your autograph, love your work!
April 7, 2023
This was a nostalgic stroll through television’s heyday, with lots of innocent characters on lots of traditional shows. My Three Sons was before my time, but Barry Livingston’s experiences with so many famous young and old actors was very interesting.
His addictions were a small part of his story, he was luckier than many, but he doesn’t seem to put much weight on it, maybe trying not to be too one sided.
Anyway, I like his later work on more familiar movies and shows, and he’s humble and grateful for being able to work as an actor, and prioritizes his wife and family.
The pretzel on the rug was my favourite chapter.
KU
His addictions were a small part of his story, he was luckier than many, but he doesn’t seem to put much weight on it, maybe trying not to be too one sided.
Anyway, I like his later work on more familiar movies and shows, and he’s humble and grateful for being able to work as an actor, and prioritizes his wife and family.
The pretzel on the rug was my favourite chapter.
KU
December 10, 2020
Not sure why I picked this up. Perhaps feeling a bit of nostalgia. I enjoyed the beginning of the child actor experiences from Ozzie and Harriet to My Three Sons. The middle of growing up after MTS, being an unemployed teenage / young 20’s actor, as well as the drug use during that time, was less interesting (but not unexpected). The rebound to a character actor and the effort he put into keeping himself out there was a more interesting. Interesting book for those looking for a bit of nostalgia.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2023
The TV shows of our youth hold a special place in our hearts. My Three Sons was one of those shows. Always warm, always funny, and it had cute boys.
Barry Livingston's book is honest, and sometimes laugh out loud funny. Often the joke is on him.
There are just enough juicy Show Biz tidbits to make you feel like an insider.
I was uncertain about this book, because celebrity bios are often ghost written and fake. This book is real, sometimes brutal, but always engaging. Glad I decided to give it a try.
Barry Livingston's book is honest, and sometimes laugh out loud funny. Often the joke is on him.
There are just enough juicy Show Biz tidbits to make you feel like an insider.
I was uncertain about this book, because celebrity bios are often ghost written and fake. This book is real, sometimes brutal, but always engaging. Glad I decided to give it a try.
July 11, 2023
I was a bit disappointed in this book. I remember watching My Three Sons back in the day (pre-teen years). There is more time spent on his adolescent escapades then there is on the show. He talks about his tv show dad a little, mostly to say he was nothing like his show character. He doesn't say much about any of the other actors, even his tv brother that was his real life brother. After the show ended it is mostly 'I did this and then I did that' and the stories were mostly boring. But the nostalgia factor is high if you are a fan of the show.
March 4, 2019
My only complaint is that the book was too short. Barry is a gifted writer, and funny. There were several times I laughed while reading this. The pictures are great too.
I was not a fan of My Three Sons, it originally aired before my time, but I did see a handful of episodes in reruns. I don't think it ever left the air. I would have liked if he wrote a little more about that time but maybe he doesn't really have anything to add. Regardless, I hope he continues writing.
I was not a fan of My Three Sons, it originally aired before my time, but I did see a handful of episodes in reruns. I don't think it ever left the air. I would have liked if he wrote a little more about that time but maybe he doesn't really have anything to add. Regardless, I hope he continues writing.
December 23, 2020
What happened to Ernie?
A great story. Basically s normal kid, with incredible talent. Easy story to read. Barry tells everything about his life. He had a few pitfalls but learned and grew from them. I was shocked with how many famous actors and directors he worked with. I really enjoyed reading this and felt that it was an honest and humbling story of his life. He is a little younger than me but the experience s he had were amazing.
A great story. Basically s normal kid, with incredible talent. Easy story to read. Barry tells everything about his life. He had a few pitfalls but learned and grew from them. I was shocked with how many famous actors and directors he worked with. I really enjoyed reading this and felt that it was an honest and humbling story of his life. He is a little younger than me but the experience s he had were amazing.
February 16, 2023
enjoyable!
Excellent and fun autobiography of Barry Livingston who played the youngest so on the 1960s TV show, My Three Sons. It’s always fun to read how someone breaks into show biz and what their experiences were like. I must confess I know I’ve seen Barry in several of his later in life roles - without realizing who he is! That tells me he is living his dream - he’s a character actor!
Excellent and fun autobiography of Barry Livingston who played the youngest so on the 1960s TV show, My Three Sons. It’s always fun to read how someone breaks into show biz and what their experiences were like. I must confess I know I’ve seen Barry in several of his later in life roles - without realizing who he is! That tells me he is living his dream - he’s a character actor!
January 31, 2025
Good
I'm a little young to remember My Three Sons. In fact, I don't think I've ever watched it. But the autobiography was interesting to see the transition from child actor to adult actor. I have seen other things Barry Livingston was in, so that helped with the knowledge of who he is before reading the book.
I'm a little young to remember My Three Sons. In fact, I don't think I've ever watched it. But the autobiography was interesting to see the transition from child actor to adult actor. I have seen other things Barry Livingston was in, so that helped with the knowledge of who he is before reading the book.
April 17, 2021
Interesting
For those familiar with this author,who happens to be an actor, this book is a very interesting look behind the scenes . Barry not only tells about his personal life,but also his experiences professionally.
For those familiar with this author,who happens to be an actor, this book is a very interesting look behind the scenes . Barry not only tells about his personal life,but also his experiences professionally.
October 28, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. Barry Livingston is a good storyteller with lots of good stories to tell.
November 23, 2018
Well, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Barry has had quite a life. It was exciting, amazing and well written. He's such a likable guy and it was a fun book to read.
February 7, 2023
a great blast back in time.
Loved the book. Would have preferred more insider info on the other cast members of MTS. Brought back wonderful memories of growing up in the 60’s.
Loved the book. Would have preferred more insider info on the other cast members of MTS. Brought back wonderful memories of growing up in the 60’s.
May 14, 2024
An interesting and enjoyable read.
June 5, 2025
Good nostalgia.
March 11, 2023
Lots of intriguing name dropping and insight into the world on sound stages and back stage of theater. Appreciate knowing what Barry Livingston has done to master his craft. My favorite tidbit was his revelation about his experience with My Six Loves and Debbie Reynolds.
December 27, 2022
A few interesting anecdotes, but overall bland.
June 5, 2018
Interesting, informative and nostalgic
I watch the show My Three Sons and love it in reruns. I saw "Ernie" had written a book on his life and I wanted to read and find out more about him as a person. He was extremely honest without going overboard on negative details and sensationalism. It was informative and extremely well written. I read in one afternoon and enjoyed reading it immensely. I would highly recommend this book to read for mere pleasure.
I watch the show My Three Sons and love it in reruns. I saw "Ernie" had written a book on his life and I wanted to read and find out more about him as a person. He was extremely honest without going overboard on negative details and sensationalism. It was informative and extremely well written. I read in one afternoon and enjoyed reading it immensely. I would highly recommend this book to read for mere pleasure.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews