She remained with the sitcom until its cancellation in 1970. However, by MacRae's debut on the series, Billie Jo's persona was that of a strong, independent woman who focused more on a singing career, a dream she later accomplishes. Both of these actresses played the role as a typical boy-crazy dumb blonde. Jeannine Riley played the part in the show's first two years (1963–1965) and Gunilla Hutton in the third year (1965–1966). MacRae was the sitcom's third actress to portray Billie Jo. Her television sisters were Betty Jo, played by Linda Kaye Henning, and Bobbie Jo, played by Lori Saunders.

In 1966, MacRae signed a contract with CBS to play Billie Jo Bradley on the sitcom Petticoat Junction, starring Bea Benaderet as her television mother and Edgar Buchanan as her television uncle. She asked to be written out of the show to further explore her career. She played Mike's love interest for three seasons (1963–1965). MacRae made her breakthrough appearance as Sally Anne Morrison Douglas on the ABC (later CBS) Fred MacMurray/ William Frawley sitcom, My Three Sons. She is the sister of William Gordon MacRae, Robert Bruce MacRae, and Heather MacRae. Both of her parents went on to be actors. Her father was stationed with the Army Air Corps in Houston at the time of her birth. MacRae was born in Houston, Texas, to parents Gordon and Sheila MacRae. She is most remembered for her roles as Sally Morrison on My Three Sons (1963–1965) and as Billie Jo Bradley on Petticoat Junction (1966–1970). Meredith Lynn MacRae (– July 14, 2000) was an American actress, singer and talk show host. Meredith MacRae, Lori Saunders, and Linda Kaye Henning on Petticoat Junction (1967)

Deborah laake