Fred MacMurray: The Guy Next Door | The Hollywood Collection

Amiable and unassuming, Fred MacMurray went from small-town boy to one of Hollywood and television’s major and most enduring stars.
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A talented saxophonist and vocalist from his high school days, his easy-going charm combined with his good-looks brought him early success as a Broadway performer before he signed his first contract with Paramount Studios in 1934.
Fred quickly rose to play romantic lead against such major stars as Claudette Colbert, Carole Lombard, Katharine Hepburn, Paulette Goddard and Marlene Deitrich. However, his great dramatic roles came when he went against type and appeared as a murderer opposite Barbara Stanwyck in Billy Wilder’s film-noir classic Double Indemnity (1944). The cowardly naval lieutenant in The Caine Mutiny (1954) and the cynical executive in The Apartment (1960) completed a trio of roles that helped define MacMurray as a major acting talent.
A series of Disney films in which he portrayed a good-natured father figure included The Shaggy Dog (1959), The Absent-Minded Professor (1961) and Son of Flubber (1963). Renowned for his true-life stability and contented role as father to four adopted children, in his later years MacMurray’s flagging career was revived when he became television’s best loved father in the long-running series, My Three Sons (1960-1971).
After the death of his first wife, Lillian Lamont, MacMurray married actress June Haver in 1954 with whom he lived happily until his death in 1991. Included in the program are clips from some of MacMurray’s most notable films, such as The Gilded Lily; Swing High, Swing Low; Double Indemnity, The Caine Mutiny, The Apartment, The Absent Minded Professor, and the TV series, My Three Sons. Fred MacMurray: The Guy Next Door also includes the participation of Fred MacMurray’s wife, June Haver MacMurray and daughters, Kate MacMurray and Laurie MacMurray, actors Nancy Olson, Beverly Garland, and Jack Lemmon, and directors Billy Wilder and Edward Dmytryk.
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[@mizera_mykle]

As a child in a vulgar vicious family I used to wish so very hard that I would magically be adopted by Fred or Andy Griffith. I don't think either man knew the impact they had on kids like me of whom there are always too many in any country. I learned my decent caring compassionate how-to behavior from two sources. First is learning how not to be at the cruel hands of family. Second was by watching and rewatching every good show that Fred and Andy were in. Most especially My Three Sons and The Andy Griffith show then later Mayberry R.F.D. I can't think of any actor today that I can say the same about. Thank you Fred and Andy for all the little hearts and souls you helped hold on for one more day.....

[@karenvolk6808]

I am sure you grew into a man with a big heart and were loved by many. Thank you for sharing.

[@chlduiowks]

You sound like you grew into a kind person. This we need more than anything.

[@SBCBears]

I understand.

[@angelabluebird609]

I imagine they may well have known. In their time, it would not have been spoken about, but in the 70's on, some tv parents, Florence Henderson as Carole Brady, for one, spoke of children who wrote to them, wishing to be adopted into a safe, happy family. You have risen above, are living well and fully. May your life always be what you strive for!

[@tonysimmons647]

Never remember ever seeing a bad movie with Fred MacMurray or seeing Fred MacMurray play a part poorly... Truly one of the greatest actors of all time.

[@pearldiver1006]

The man was everyman. A fine actor and a fine man. Thanks Mac.

[@julietteyork6293]

One of my very favorite actors and now that I know he was also a great husband and father, it makes my admiration for him all the greater. He was the real deal - a blessing to his family and colleagues.

[@pietrangelaminuti2869]

If only all actores could be like he wos .Trooly himselfe

[@corineusa1454]

One the greatest murder movies ever made in my opinion is Double Indemnity. "I wonder, , I wonder if you wonder". I've seen it 100 times & I could watch it 100 more times.

[@littleogeechee223]

I love Fred MacMurray! Wilder was so right! He was brilliant in Double Indemnity!

[@burlingtonbill1]

Fred MacMurray is in my top 5 favorite actors of all-time.

[@rosemarieward1738]

One of my favorite movies was "The Egg and I" with Claudette Colbert. Funny and the introduction of Ma and Pa Kettle.

[@deemariedubois4916]

Glad to see Fred was a nice guy. I would have been disappointed otherwise. Nice documentary. He should have been nominated for an Oscar in Caine's Mutiny. And won!

[@austinteutsch]

MacMurray was a natural actor which is the number one trait of a great actor.

[@danacoleman4007]

Wow! What a wonderful and worthwhile life Fred lived!!!!

[@roseann5562]

My all time favorite actor. He has a comforting demeanor, and handsome for sure.

[@annonymous1563]

"And they needed a leading man who could eat popcorn..." Ah, the golden era of Hollywood.

[@orchardist6559]

"Double Indemnity" is an absolute gem. Fred, Barbara Stanwych and Edward G.Robinson are amazing. Thank you for an insight to Fred's exceptional life.

[@randyacuna3248]

orchardist65 should have won best picture with fred and Edward also getting nominations at least.

[@paullewis2413]

The banter between Fred and Barbara was priceless - very very few movies today can match the professionalism of the best scripts from the classics of the 40' 50's and 60's.

[@FreedomFighter-cr5xg]

nothing but white people .. and you love it .. you have no shame

[@bokusworld9780]

Movie rules. A+

[@RoyGee-rp7yn]

When I was a young boy my dad and mom dropped me and my two little brothers off at the local movie House and we saw "Follow Me Boys" and it put a big impact on me about caring and unity of allegiance. Great Movie.

[@bettyburke8653]

Everyone to their own, great stars great movies great people. Nothing like the OLD movies

[@RoyGee-rp7yn]

My favorite Actor of all time. Clean cut and respectful. I wish that i could get some of his movies.

[@angelabluebird609]

I found The Absent Minded Professor at the thrift books site.

[@ernesthendrickson7379]

Double Indemnity? Fantastic movie with such wonderful actors. All were first rate. Great in every way!

[@katespurlding9647]

Love Fred in the egg and i,the introduction to the kettle family.

[@Fevertorium]

Will always remember my Father taking me to see the Flubber movies when they came out. That's how I first learned about Fred MacMurray. Later discovered his movie past before Flubber and My Three Sons. Great!

[@MH-vf6he]

Thanks for the memories. Young people just dont know how great this country was. I'm not sure if that would get the injoyment out of this as I do.

[@dianabeurman9937]

I pity them

[@jamesburke8039]

The Caine Mutiny is one of my favorite MacMurry films

[@muniryassin9351]

" He was tender , kind and gentle with women . " I like that . That's how i would describe a gentleman . Good for him .

[@madamoisellec4721]

Thank you for sharing this. My dad was also born in August of 1908. He and I used to watch the show, My Three Sons every week in the late 60's, when I was a child. (My parents were older when I was born. So my dad was in his early sixties at the time. I remember that my dad always admired Fred McMurray. Ironically my dad also passed away in 1991. Their birthdates were only three days apart. This was a wonderful look into the life of a truly kind and wonderful man.

[@fritula6200]

This man was in a class of his own.

[@scotnick59]

Fred was THE all-American "average guy" most of us would like 2 B.

[@jimrick6632]

ONE OF MY FAVORITE ACTORS...AND HIS WIFE JUNE HAVER WAS A TALENT IN HER MUSICALS...

[@mistergrandpasbakery9941]

Great story about a great man! No one in Hollywood today can even hold a candle to his kindness, character, or ability!

[@patpeters6331]

I beg to differ. Tom Hanks a good actor, family man, well respected.

[@patrickconnors8403]

These collection pieces are so much fun to watch. Many of the actors featured are those I grew up watching, Fred MacMurray was always high on my list of favorites to watch.

[@robynhyman6749]

I'm such a big Fred MacMurray fan. Being from Wisconsin, I've had the chance to go through his home town of Beaver Dam on a few occasions. I was told he would visit there now and then over the years, but do so quietly without a lot of fanfare. He spent a lot of his time there just fishing. Nice!!

[@kevindoran9271]

I always liked Fred M. Nice documentary for a fine actor and musician. Thanks for posting! :)

[@helenheeney2284]

Ah a gentleman in every sense of the word

[@valeriegriner5644]

"My Three Sons" was always one of my FAVORITE TV shows! This was a great documentary!

[@roseb.5331]

I loved him in The Egg and I with Claudette Colbert.

[@NaughtGinger]

That was a real gem for sure!

[@lasenoritacometa1977]

“Double Indemnity” was my fav. Both Stanwick and MacMurray were awesome👏🏻

[@msbrowngault]

& The Apartment 😉

[@ernesthendrickson7379]

Fred was such an obviously great man. A model for all to follow!!! We miss him very very much!!!! I wish I could have been like him.....

[@atirad8]

I wish Nixon and Trump, could have been like him and MANY OTHERS!!!!!!!!!

[@johnstewart9768]

Fred MacMurray - all-round good actor, apparently also a nice guy, in addition to being a talented musician. He was also damn good with money, being one of the wealthiest people in Hollywood.

[@georgeinjapan6583]

He was able to play a "bad guy" well in *The Apartment* too.

[@katherinelinder2354]

Loved him in everything he did ❤️

[@mikegehre570]

The kinda nice guy I'd like to pal around with. He came across so genuine and down to earth -very unhollywood like

[@aliray1868]

Thank you.. Loved Fred MacMurray.

[@jaspercollins7005]

Great tribute.

[@dondressel4802]

Flubber that movie brings back so many great childhood memories Okay the absent minded professor Loved that dog

[@chrislavis6629]

I was a kid in the 60's and only really remember him from the Disney movies but I do remember liking him. Seems like such a nice bloke too. If only there were more stars like him today Hollywood would be better for it

[@dougmoore5252]

Thanks for this, I well remember him from TV and movies.

[@swiater1]

Fred McMurray, talented, charming, funny, all by just being himself! Wow, and so HANDSOME too!❤️😄👏🏽👍🏻🕵🏽💋

[@naepalm1150]

One of my favourites. Reminds me of my own father.

[@lynnbeaumont1612]

One of my fav actors of yesteryear

[@SuperSunshinesue]

WHAT A GENUINELY FANTASTIC PERSON.....THAT IS SO RARE.

[@geraldoshaughnessy2918]

A GREAT DOCUMENTARY GREAT ACTOR,

[@jasoncollins1702]

God how I love Fred MacMurray! I'm from the My Three Sons generation, and it's been fun as an adult to backtrack and discover his film work. I think his greatest achievement in Double Indemnity is demonstrating just what a man will do for a bit of skirt! Shame no mention of his collaboration with Douglas Sirk. I'll always remember watching The Absent-Minded Professor on TV at my grandmother's house, like it was yesterday. Love those handsome early photos. A true star.

[@ernesthendrickson7379]

Tragically even saints die. We miss Fred MAcMurray even today and forever...

[@dakotail]

thank you for ALL the wonderful memories ~~~~ "The Hollywood Collection) ~~~~ this where those days ~~ when movies where movies ~~ and actors where actors whit hard work ~ will power ~~~ and love for the acting ~~~~ and lots of personality ~~~

[@nancystone6044]

DO RECALL THE FIRST TIME I WATCHED THE APARTMENT (MAYBE 12 ON LATE SAT NIGHT MOVIE) AND COULD NOT BELIEVE IT WAS MR. DOUGLAS! DECADES LATER I'M STILL AMAZED HE PLAYED SUCH A ROLE; ONLY TO WATCH HIS EARLIER MOVIES AND ALL THE CHARACTERS HE PORTRAYED. SUPER DAD, SUPER HUSBAND, WONDERFUL ACTOR. RIP

[@bethelle9099]

Nancy Stone , Same here. A man some of us wish had been our own father . And June Haver had the face of an angel. And apparently the personality to match. Wish I could have met them to tell them so!

[@jimlaguardia8185]

Beautiful!

[@apollovizsla]

Fred MacMurray has always been one of my favorite actors. He had a genuine look in his eyes that showed honesty and kindness and it is nice to know that is truly the way he was. His wife and daughter also seem kind, like the type of people who would make a great friend!

[@mariocisneros911]

His my 3 son's costars said on his passing , " HE ALWAYS WAS THE REAL FATHER YOU WISHED TO HAVE ".

[@shielajarvis8977]

Gret documentary, so glad to hear that he was a nice guy!

[@pauldriscoll907]

Northwest mounted police

[@narellecox2028]

He was a lovely man, a great actor, loved him.

[@phillyrich3249]

Seem like a very nice down to earth man I enjoyed his work growing up in the 60s in the 70s he was the man

[@misspearltaylor]

Fred McMurray was GREAT in those heavy roles, maybe better than in the light comedy films, but then, they’re probably equally challenging. But I can’t think of anybody else as Walter Neff, the weak willed naval officer in Cain Mutiny or Jeff, the total cad boss in the Apartment. He was an EXCELLENT actor!

[@joycehenderson4178]

A great actor! I enjoyed learning about his life off the screen. He will always be remembered by my generation and hopefully by generations to come.

[@loisgibson4240]

I wouldn't give two cents for most actors today.

[@brendalucas61]

Always liked Fred McMurray very much

[@jimhanold9026]

Same here! I enjoyed Fred's portrayal of the kind, understanding father- "Steve Douglas"-on "My Three Sons" from September 29'th, 1960 until August 24'th, 1972.

[@CapitanFantasma1776]

Fantastic!

[@howardsambandi7979]

Fred mac Murray, one of Hollywood's great leading men, both in movies and on tv's my three sons.

[@ewat4753]

I just saw him in “Little Old New York.” What a looker!

[@christopherorourke6362]

Fred MacMurray did a commercial for Greyhound bus after My 3 sons went off television in the period of 1971 to 1974.

[@JesseWright68]

I always enjoy his movies. The Apartment and Double Indemnity are two of the best moves ever made.

[@funkeekatt]

What is amazing about those two movies is that Fred MacMurray was playing against type. Up until that point MacMurray had primarily played amiable, comedic roles. Clearly director Billy Wilder saw something in MacMurray to cast him as a cad in two of his best known roles.

[@jacquelinemorgan8143]

Wren Wright new year pl

[@gregford2103]

Also, one of his best roles was as Lt. Keefer in The Caine Mutiny, where he played the ultimate in duplicitous individuals, one who doesn't get exposed until the end.

[@claudemaassen2963]

Jesse Wright+ Did you ever see the Walt Disney production of "Follow me Boys"? That to me is my favourite Fred MacMurray movie. It stars also a very young Kurt Russel who showed great acting talent.

[@maddyhayes617]

@@claudemaassen2963 One of my favorites too

[@samiam74]

I adored My Three Sons when I was a child. What a lovely and charming gentleman.

[@jerrycaughron7378]

Great, Great actor!

[@PatrolOfficer161]

I cannot think of a single part he played that I didn't enjoy.

[@maddyhayes617]

THE EGG AND I WAS SO FUNNY. HE AND CLAUDETTE WERE GREAT TOGETHER!

[@FreedomFighter-cr5xg]

Yup , you say that because he is a racist , a low down low life white supremacist .. Every movie this trash bag was in had nothing but white people in it ..

[@PatrolOfficer161]

@@FreedomFighter-cr5xg How unhappy your everyday existence must be to seethe all day in righteous turmoil and wake up every morning to face each new day with hate in your heart. You base your dictatorial comment of course on an incorrect premise. "Beyond the Bermuda Triangle" for example (there are so many others but to refute your narrow definition I need only one) featured a talented actor with over a hundred features to his credit, Ismael 'East' Cario in a major role. No doubt OLD Hollywood was as narrow in it's thinking then as NEW Hollywood is today! Please consider the circumstances a person works under and don't paint them personally with the same paintbrush. You are by definition, practicing racism yourself by expressing an opinion about Mr. MacMurray for the color of his skin and two negatives only makes a positive in math. All that aside, Fred MacMurray was a very good actor and I stand by my original comment. I hope you know peace in your soul very soon. Believe me, it feels good to be tolerant.

[@FreedomFighter-cr5xg]

@@PatrolOfficer161 ..Dear Princess ..at least i'm honest

[@eisenjeisen6262]

I like that movie Double indemnity he was a cool actor and the Apartment

[@cbass2755]

I love this show. I’m watching them again...

[@delsaabbott6766]

Beautiful, thank you.

[@MartinSage]

I'm 68 and grew-,up with My 3 Sons, Father knows Best, Lassie , Leave it to Bever, the Donna Reed show etc.. My favorites were Rado Shows ....The Six Shooter (James Stewart) , Gunsmke ( Willam Conrad) and Johnny Dollar (Bob Bailey).

[@dianabeurman9937]

Innocent times

[@melindawood3644]

I remember most of those shows. They were the greatest. I am watching Father Knows Best on FETV now and enjoying them all over again!

[@dominiccounts4023]

I remember Fred MacMurray principally from the television series, My Three Sons and Flubber. He had a very likable screen presence.

[@kriseuribe3783]

Dearly loved

[@pbrickley6247]

I hadn't heard Fred McMurray had recently died. What a tremendous loss. He was a great actor.

[@TheAzmountaineer]

Recently?!!

[@willboyd-hay8490]

He died in 1991. Recently?

[@JudgeJulieLit]

"Recently" can be in the eye of the beholder.

[@mariewagner5283]

This was filmed in 1996

[@genniejefferson1892]

Love biographies also

[@barneyrubbles7962]

its to bad Fred MacMurray never got any awards WHAT DO THEY WANT FOR HIM TO pay to get an award, an yes amelia IT WAS VERY NICE TO HAVE AN UNCLE LIKE HIM.

[@pearldiver1006]

Even bob hope had good things to say of Mac.😎

[@annagetrude1745]

A very decent actor in personal n professional life

[@sharonmcgill2848]

the best father for all of us

[@marvinmontgomery1291]

Fred MacMurray was a class act something that is lacking in the Degenerates of Hollywood today

[@fosbury68]

He was a degenerate in Double Indemnity and The Apartment. And he was very convincing.

[@garlandsmth]

That's right Marvin Montgomery, these degenerates in Hollywood today are clueless😠

[@miriamferko154]

It was lacking back then too, tbh.

[@pkf81366]

I loved his performance in "The Caine Mutiny"

[@hestergreen2031]

The “Guy next store,” actor. Such a great delight

[@chroniclesofalivingdeadgirl]

Nancy Olson is beautiful when she's young, but man! She looks better older.

[@melindawood3644]

Yes! Nancy is a beauty! I remember her in Polyanna as well.

[@alfredoloyola921]

I just love him!!!!!!

[@capecod50s]

Many American movie watchers have given up on modern Hollywood and stream these lovely movies of old. They are far more satisfying.

[@JudgeJulieLit]

His strong jaw, dark hair and physique were the model for the first drawing of Superman.

[@curtiswilson8402]

Capt. Marvel, actually. And CLEARLY "Astro City"'s character, "The Gentleman."

[@JudgeJulieLit]

@@curtiswilson8402 Marvelous catch ... yes, Captain Marvel.

[@ArsPraestigium]

Bob Hope credited Fred MacMurray for his break in Hollywood films.

[@leastlikedcritic7529]

Fred MacMurray a very humble guy, loved to act but never taking fame seriously, never was in a scandal, always a devoted a husband and a loving father, a shame actors today can't learn from him.

[@saintsaens21]

Just saw him today in the Caine Mutiny, he was very good, and can't help thinking of Pierce Brosnan whenever he appears.

[@marvinabigby5509]

I enjoy his movies he was ahead of my time but I always feel at home watching him .I loved the egg and I best for the comedy and being rural how I grew up

[@poetcomic1]

Fred MacMurray was great in his 'bad' roles such as Double Indemnity, the cowardly writer in Caine Mutiny and Mr. Sheldrake in The Apartment. Not taking himself too seriously he loved doing his hit Disney pictures that introduced him to millions of kids.

[@hillaryhollins667]

What rumors ? I went to junior high school with one of his daughters. A real quiet sweet girl it was summer school I needed to bring my grade up in that class she sat behind me, she didn’t brag who her parents were I found out from asking her about her horse which she talked about and from there we shared more about our family’s it was very much an understanding to not blast it to the other kids. I never saw her again after that, but she was a lovely little cowgirl for sure! God bless her.

[@vaughangarrick]

Wonderful channel

[@XtoriezNovel]

America's Dad.

[@jimhanold9026]

Actually-the original run of "My Three Sons" was from September 29'th, 1960 to August 24'th, 1972 (12 years).

[@garybryson1900]

I really liked Fred MacMurray in everything I ever saw him in.