Don Grady Dies

Don Grady, musician, composer, actor and star of "The Mickey Mouse Club" and "My Three Sons," has died from cancer at age 68 in Thousand Oaks, California.

Don Grady was a lifelong native Californian born Don Louis Agrati on June 8, 1944.

Grady joined the cast of Walt Disney's original "Mickey Mouse Club" while in middle school.

After three years, the young actor left for the television series "My Three Sons" while attending Burbank High School.

The megahit TV show aired from 1960 to 1972, featuring Fred MacMurray as America's favorite single dad, the widowed patriarch of the Douglas family.

"It was a clean show. It was a fun show," remembered Don Grady, who played Robbie Douglas on "My Three Sons" in 380 episodes.

Wholesome portrayal of '60s and '70s American life made the show a beloved part of pop culture, as well as a long-running television ratings blockbuster.

"Don was the guy we looked up to because he was our big brother," recalled fellow cast member Barry Livingston.  "Don was the oldest, so we were emulating him."

Don Grady enjoyed a successful career as a music composer and songwriter, writing scores for television, theater and films.

His first fame as a composer was as the writer of the theme for "The Phil Donahue Show."

"His passion was music," said Ginny Grady, his wife of 26 years. "TV was a sideline to all he ever wanted to do, which was play music."

Grady's longtime friend and co-star agreed.

"The one real through-line in his life was music," said Barry Livingston.  "I would think Don would love to be remembered for his great music as much as a teen idol and television icon."

Mourning the death of Don Grady are mother Mary Grady, wife Ginny Grady, two children, many friends and countless fans.

Don Grady 1944-2012