Barry Livingston on My Three Sons, Elvis, and Surviving Hollywood

Classic Conversations: Pop culture Interviews with Jeff Dwoskin

Barry Livingston, best known as Ernie from My Three Sons, brings a treasure trove of Hollywood stories in this nostalgic ride through decades of TV and film. From early beginnings alongside his brother Stanley to memorable roles in The Orville, Mad Men, Zodiac, and more—Barry shares the ups, downs, and delightful surprises of a lifelong acting career. He reflects on brushes with icons like Paul Newman and Elvis Presley, his transition from child actor to seasoned pro, and the quirky journey that shaped his signature look. Plus, a behind-the-scenes peek at working with legends like Lucille Ball, Fred MacMurray, Adam Sandler, and Steven Spielberg.

Episode Highlights:

• How Barry's first role with Paul Newman led to a surprise diagnosis—and launched his Hollywood journey
• The real reason he was fired from Rally Round the Flag, Boys! and how it became a blessing in disguise
• What it was like working on The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet and transitioning into My Three Sons
• The McMurray Method: how Fred MacMurray filmed My Three Sons out of order—and no one noticed
• Barry’s surreal ride around the Paramount lot with Elvis Presley (while watching Popeye in a decked-out Cadillac)
• His hilarious encounter with Steven Spielberg and why Spielberg fan-boyed over him
• Behind-the-scenes memories from working with Lucille Ball, William Frawley, and Betty White
• From Doogie Howser to Bosch—how Barry built a second act as a beloved character actor
• What Adam Sandler did that no one else in Hollywood would—and how it landed Barry in You Don’t Mess with the Zohan
• Honest reflections on navigating fame, adolescence, and the 1970s acting grind with grace (and some weed)

You're going to love my conversation with Barry Livingston

• IMDB
• Order Barry's book!

Follow Jeff Dwoskin (host):

• Jeff Dwoskin on Twitter
• The Jeff Dwoskin Show podcast on Twitter
• Podcast website
• Podcast on Instagram
• Join my mailing list
• Subscribe to my Youtube channel (watch Crossing the Streams!)
• Yes, the show used to be called Live from Detroit: The Jeff Dwoskin Show

Ways to support the show:

• Buy me a coffee (support the show)
• TeePublic Store: Classic Conversations merch and more!
• Love the books I talk about on the show? Here is my Amazon store to shop.