Clothing and Costumes Worn by Child Actors: Paul O'Keefe (U.S., 1951- )


Figure 1.-- Paul O'Keefe when he was about 6 years old and totally unknown, we believe in 1957, gave an unpolished, but stunning rendition of "Ole Donegal" in which he letter perfect ran through all those Irish names. At the end he was so pleased with himself that he litterally threw himself in the hands of I assume his father who was just standing off camera. Paul was dressed up in a bow tie, knickers, and black long stockings.

I never much cared for Ed Sulivan's "Tost of the Town", but I recall a remarkable performance by Paul O'Keefe when he was about 6 years old and totally unknown. He had a wondefully Irish face. I believe it was 1957. I think he had a hint of an Irish accent. He gave an unpolished, but stunning rendition of "Ole Donegal" in which he letter perfect ran through all those Irish names. At the end he was so pleased with himself that he litterally threw himself in the hands of I assume his father who was just standing off camera. Paul was dressed up in a bow tie, knickers, and black long stockings. The bow tie must have been green, perhaps even the shirt. What we don't understand is the knickers and long stockings. Theu must have been chosen to give a nostalgic Irish look. Knickers were no longer worn in America by 1957. The only thing is that the Irish were not especially known for wearing knickers and long stockings. The Irish in America dressed like this in the 1910s and 20s because it was an American style, but knickers and long stockings were not widely worn by boys in Ole Donegal. Irish styles were very similar to British styles and boys commonly wore short pants and knee socks. Paul is much better known for playing Patty Duke's insufferable little brother on the "Patty Duke Show" (1963-66). I didn't find him to be one of the more interesting child stars. He has rather pleasant memories of the show and became close friends with Patty. He was about 12 years old when the show began. I don't remember any particularly interesting scenes and the show of course focused on Patty. He always wore long pants. He still is active in show business. He plays and writes music and appears in Off Broadway.







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Created: 9:45 PM 3/26/2011
Last updated: 9:45 PM 3/26/2011