Let's take a journey back to the golden era of comedy with Lou Costello, the beloved half of the legendary duo Abbott and Costello. In the '50s, Lou became a box office phenomenon, and his legacy continues to shine brightly through his two surviving children. Keep reading as we dive into the lives of the family behind the man who made millions laugh.
Meet Lou Costello’s Children: A Family Built on Love and Legacy
Back in 1934, Lou married the love of his life, Anne Battler. Their union blossomed into a family of four beautiful children. First came Patricia “Paddy” Costello in 1936, followed by Carole in 1938. Their son, Lou “Butch” Costello Jr., was born in 1942, and finally, Christine “Chris” Costello arrived in 1949. This tight-knit family carried on the Costello name with pride, each in their own unique way.
Patricia ‘Paddy’ Costello: The Firstborn Who Carried on Her Father’s Legacy
In 1956, Paddy made a rare appearance on the popular show This Is Your Life. While she's largely stayed out of the spotlight, Paddy occasionally steps into the public eye to honor her father's memory. In 2010, she learned about a local school in Manhattan Beach, California, performing her dad's iconic "Who’s on First" routine. Paddy attended the play, touched by the students' tribute to her father's comedic genius.
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“Nothing would make my dad happier than knowing his work is inspiring new generations,” Paddy shared with Easy Reader & Peninsula that year. “He absolutely adored children, and I know he'd be thrilled to see his legacy continue in this way.”
Christine ‘Chris’ Costello: A Daughter Who Keeps the Abbott and Costello Spirit Alive
Chris took a page from her father's book, landing a role in the 1987 film Code Name Zebra. She’s also been a regular presence in documentaries about her father and his legendary partner, Bud Abbott. Chris vividly recalls the emotional moments she shared with Bud after Lou's untimely passing in 1959 at the age of 52 due to a heart attack.
“We were sitting in the living room when an Abbott and Costello episode came on,” Chris recounted to Closer in August 2022. “Bud’s eyes filled with tears. He looked at me and said, ‘I just miss my buddy.’”
Chris emphasizes that her father and Bud remained friends until the very end. “They worked together for 21 years and had their disagreements, but that never meant they hated each other,” she revealed. “Their bond was unbreakable, and it’s a testament to the love they shared both on and off the stage.”
