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Kovacs' Daughter's Tumultuous Hollywood Custody Battle
29 Jun
Summary
- Betty Kovacs, daughter of Ernie Kovacs, died at 79.
- She was central to a 1962 Hollywood custody battle.
- Kovacs survived a difficult childhood and pursued arts.
Betty Kovacs, eldest daughter of comedian Ernie Kovacs, passed away on June 21 at age 79. Her life was notably shaped by a dramatic custody battle in 1962, following her father's death. This struggle involved her stepmother, Edie Adams, and kept Hollywood captivated.
Born in 1947, Kovacs experienced a challenging childhood. After her parents' 1952 divorce, her father gained custody, an uncommon event at the time. A significant event occurred in 1953 when Betty and her sister were taken by their mother, leading to a two-year search by Ernie Kovacs.
Following Ernie Kovacs' fatal car crash in January 1962, his first wife initiated a custody suit for Betty and her sister, deeming Edie Adams unfit. Both daughters testified they wished to remain with Adams, who retained custody after a four-day court battle.
Kovacs, described as strong and kind, later worked as a dancer and casting director. She found work in summer stock and cast actors for music videos. Her sister Mia died in a car accident in May 1982, and her sister Kippie died in July 2001.
