ACTOR · BORN 1908 · DIED 1991
Fred MacMurray
- Born
- 30 August 1908
- Died
- 5 November 1991
- Known for
- The Apartment (1960), Double Indemnity (1944), The Caine Mutiny (1954), My Three Sons (1960)
28 archived facts 5 topics 1 source Last reviewed Nov 2026
Fred MacMurray (30 August 1908 – 5 November 1991) was an actor best known for The Apartment, Double Indemnity and The Caine Mutiny.
28 Interesting Facts About Fred MacMurray
Interesting Facts (3)
- #001
When MacMurray accepted the role of the father on 'My Three Sons', he signed an extraordinary contract that required him to work only 65 days a year. Because of that arrangement, the show's other actors often had to play their scenes opposite a stand-in off camera. Even so, the series became hugely popular across 12 seasons and stands as one of the most important productions of MacMurray's career.
- #002
MacMurray was a skilled leatherworker. In Columbia Pictures' 1936 'Screen Snapshots' series, he was seen assembling an ornate gun holster on which he had done decorative carving. The narrator also noted that he knew how to make saddles.
- #003
MacMurray's house in Halvern had been built in 1939 for Nelson Eddy by the famous Pasadena architect Sylvanus Marsden. Eddy planned to marry Jeanette MacDonald, but the studio bosses would not allow it. Eddy then sold the house to MacMurray and his first wife a few years later.
Behind the Scenes (10)
- #004
At MacMurray's insistence, every episode of 'My Three Sons' was shot in an unusual way. Scenes were filmed in groups, with all the kitchen scenes first and then all the hallway scenes, and once MacMurray finished his own scenes he left the set until the end of the season. This came to light through the uneven growth of actress Dawn Lyn's teeth on the show; her teeth were not visible in scenes with MacMurray but became noticeable in other scenes.
- #005
Comic book artist C.C. Beck stated that he designed the appearance of the superhero Captain Marvel, which he created in the 1940s, by drawing inspiration from Fred MacMurray.
- #006
According to his daughter Kate, it was John Wayne who introduced Fred MacMurray and June Haver. This introduction marked the beginning of a long and happy union that led to the couple marrying in 1954.
- #007
In 1987, Fred MacMurray became the first person to receive the title of Disney Legend. This honor was a tribute to his contributions to Walt Disney productions and his long-standing collaboration with the Disney family.
- #008
MacMurray learned to play both the violin and the saxophone just before starting high school, discovering his musical talent at an early age. These instruments would form the foundation of his later music and stage career.
- #009
Before becoming a successful actor, MacMurray was part of the Gus Arnheim Orchestra in 1930-31. On the record 'All I Want Is Just One', recorded on March 30, 1930, he sang the vocal refrain; the record was released on the Victor 22384 label.
- #010
MacMurray was considered for the role of Joe Gillis in the film 'Sunset Boulevard' (1950), but the part went to William Holden, who earned a Best Actor Oscar nomination for his performance.
- #011
The public remembers Fred MacMurray best for the role of Steve Douglas on 'My Three Sons'.
- #012
MacMurray considered taking a role on 'The Untouchables' (1959) and was also the first choice for the lead in 'Perry Mason' (1957).
- #013
In 1951, RKO planned a film noir project titled 'The Sins of Sarah Ferry'. The story centered on a woman who falls in love with a man who is a courthouse clerk in Binghamton, New York, and is accused of armed robbery and a fatal hit-and-run. The cast was to include Laraine Day, MacMurray, Yvonne De Carlo, Hugh Beaumont, Glenn Ford, Howard Duff and Evelyn Keyes. However, the project was never realized.
Characters & Cast (2)
- #014
Fred MacMurray and his wife June Haver were offered a sitcom in which they would star together. Fred turned the offer down, worried that the intense pressure of the project could strain their marriage. The decision showed he was an actor who put his private life ahead of his career.
- #015
Fred MacMurray was not the producers' first choice for the role of Steve Douglas on 'My Three Sons'. The part was given to MacMurray after Eddie Albert turned down the offer to focus on his film career.
Career & Awards (3)
- #016
While in high school, MacMurray played baritone saxophone with the American Legion Band and bought his own saxophone with money he earned working at a pea canning factory. He then formed his own three-piece orchestra, 'Mac's Melody Boys', and performed in nightclubs, dance halls and vaudeville venues. These experiences shaped his interest in show business and laid the foundations of his stage career.
- #017
After his role in the 1978 film 'The Swarm', MacMurray retired from acting at the age of 70. The film was the last production of his screen career, and afterward he devoted himself to his family and his ranch.
- #018
MacMurray performed in vaudeville shows with a stage group called 'The California Collegians'. In 1930 the group appeared in the Broadway revue 'Three's a Crowd', which featured stars such as Fred Allen, Clifton Webb and Libby Holman. Holman sang 'Something to Remember You By' to MacMurray in the show. They also appeared in the Broadway musical 'Roberta', where MacMurray was the lead's understudy.
Life & Family (10)
- #019
In 1961, while taking his family to Disneyland, MacMurray was attacked by a woman. She struck him with her purse, saying she had taken her children to see him in 'The Apartment' and was furious that the film was not a Disney production. MacMurray's reply, 'No, ma'am, it wasn't,' followed by his turning to his wife and saying he would never play villains again, shows how deeply the incident affected him.
- #020
In 1941, MacMurray bought the 1,750-acre Col. George Porter ranch in Sonoma County. There he embraced a farmer's life, raising prize-winning cattle and planting crops, while his children rode horses on the hills. The ranch held an important place in his life and was a retreat he enjoyed with his family.
- #021
MacMurray and his wife June Haver adopted twin daughters Kathryn and Laurie in 1956.
- #022
During World War II, MacMurray tried to join the military but was rejected because of a sinus condition. He stayed in Hollywood and continued making films, doing what he could to support the war effort.
- #023
After MacMurray's death, his wife June Haver sold the 'MacMurray Ranch' to the Gallo family. The Gallo family began using it for wine production, and the ranch still exists today as a wine brand.
- #024
MacMurray first took the stage playing the violin alongside his father, but this experience gave him a serious case of stage fright. He later overcame that fear, learned to play the piano, guitar and saxophone, and played these instruments in his high school band.
- #025
In the 1970s, MacMurray made commercials for a video teaching 'Chisenbop', a Korean-origin method of doing math with the fingers. These commercials were one of the periods when he was frequently seen on television.
- #026
MacMurray was a loyal supporter of the Republican Party and in 1968 joined Bob Hope and James Stewart in campaigning for Richard Nixon. This was a move that clearly revealed his political views.
- #027
Fred MacMurray was born in Kankakee, Illinois, after his family traveled there during his mother Maleta's pregnancy.
- #028
MacMurray grew up in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, where his mother was born in 1880. This town was where his childhood years passed and where he received his education.
Related pages
- Raymond Chandler — Fred MacMurray comes up in the facts on that page
Sources & editorial notes
Reference databases
- Wikipedia
- IMDb
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