Lou Costello
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Born Name:
Louis Francis Cristillo
Born Date: March 6, 1906
Born Place: Paterson, New Jersey
Died Date: March 3, 1959
Died Place: Beverly Hills, California
Occupations: Comedian, actor, producer
Brief Biography: Lou Costello was known as the bumbling, energetic half of the legendary comedy team Abbott and Costello. Alongside straight man Bud Abbott, he was one of the most popular and highest-paid entertainers in the world during the 1940s, famous for the iconic "Who's on First?" routine.
Early Life:
Athletic Youth: A talented basketball player and boxer (fighting as "Lou King") in his youth.
Hollywood Dreams: In 1927, he hitchhiked to Hollywood to become an actor, finding work only as an extra and stuntman.
Name Change: He adopted the stage name "Costello" from actress Helene Costello.
Career Highlights:
Burlesque & Vaudeville: After leaving Hollywood, he developed his comedy skills in burlesque in the early 1930s.
Teaming with Abbott: He met Bud Abbott in 1935, and they officially teamed up in 1936, bringing their act to radio in 1938.
Film Stardom: They signed with Universal Pictures in 1939, debuting in One Night in the Tropics (1940) before gaining massive fame with Buck Privates (1941).
"Who's on First?": This classic routine was featured in their 1940 debut and became their signature bit, later enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
War Bonds: During World War II, the duo sold over $85 million in war bonds in 35 days.
Later Career: Known for Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948) and The Abbott and Costello Show on television (1952).
Personal Life and Tragedies:
Son's Death: In 1943, his infant son, Lou Jr., drowned in the family pool, a tragedy that occurred while Costello was about to go on air for their radio show.
Health Struggles: He suffered from severe bouts of rheumatic fever, which left him incapacitated for months at a time.
Generosity: He was known for his generosity, founding the Lou Costello Jr. Youth Foundation in 1945.
Legacy:
Split: The team split amicably in 1957 due to changing comedic tastes and personal health issues.
Final Project: He starred in one solo film, The 30 Foot Bride of Candy Rock (1959).
He is remembered for his "cherubic face" and masterful "innocence" in his comedy, which continues to influence performers.
Born Date: March 6, 1906
Born Place: Paterson, New Jersey
Died Date: March 3, 1959
Died Place: Beverly Hills, California
Occupations: Comedian, actor, producer
Brief Biography: Lou Costello was known as the bumbling, energetic half of the legendary comedy team Abbott and Costello. Alongside straight man Bud Abbott, he was one of the most popular and highest-paid entertainers in the world during the 1940s, famous for the iconic "Who's on First?" routine.
Early Life:
Athletic Youth: A talented basketball player and boxer (fighting as "Lou King") in his youth.
Hollywood Dreams: In 1927, he hitchhiked to Hollywood to become an actor, finding work only as an extra and stuntman.
Name Change: He adopted the stage name "Costello" from actress Helene Costello.
Career Highlights:
Burlesque & Vaudeville: After leaving Hollywood, he developed his comedy skills in burlesque in the early 1930s.
Teaming with Abbott: He met Bud Abbott in 1935, and they officially teamed up in 1936, bringing their act to radio in 1938.
Film Stardom: They signed with Universal Pictures in 1939, debuting in One Night in the Tropics (1940) before gaining massive fame with Buck Privates (1941).
"Who's on First?": This classic routine was featured in their 1940 debut and became their signature bit, later enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
War Bonds: During World War II, the duo sold over $85 million in war bonds in 35 days.
Later Career: Known for Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948) and The Abbott and Costello Show on television (1952).
Personal Life and Tragedies:
Son's Death: In 1943, his infant son, Lou Jr., drowned in the family pool, a tragedy that occurred while Costello was about to go on air for their radio show.
Health Struggles: He suffered from severe bouts of rheumatic fever, which left him incapacitated for months at a time.
Generosity: He was known for his generosity, founding the Lou Costello Jr. Youth Foundation in 1945.
Legacy:
Split: The team split amicably in 1957 due to changing comedic tastes and personal health issues.
Final Project: He starred in one solo film, The 30 Foot Bride of Candy Rock (1959).
He is remembered for his "cherubic face" and masterful "innocence" in his comedy, which continues to influence performers.