Written by: Grace Lee

Lou Costello: The Comedy Icon Behind "Who's on First?"

Lou Costello was an American comedian, actor, and producer who is best known for his hilarious double act with Bud Abbott and their iconic routine "Who's on First?" This legendary comedy duo was one of the most popular and highest-paid entertainers in the world during World War II, selling an astonishing 85 million dollars in war bonds in just 35 days during their 1942 national tour.

Early Life

Lou Costello was born Louis Francis Cristillo on March 6, 1906, in Paterson, New Jersey, to Sebastiano Cristillo, a silk weaver and insurance sales agent, and Helen Rege, an American of Italian, French, and Irish ancestry. His father was Italian, hailing from Caserta, while his mother's grandfather Francesco Rege was a native of Piedmont, Italy.

Career Highlights

Costello's athletic prowess earned him recognition as a gifted athlete in his youth. He excelled in basketball and was reportedly a two-time Paterson freethrow champion. His basketball skills can be seen in the 1945 film "Here Come the Co-Eds," where he performs his own trick basketball shots. He even fought as a boxer under the name Lou King.

Costello's admiration for silent-film comedian Charlie Chaplin led him to hitchhike to Hollywood in 1927 to pursue an acting career. Although he initially found work as a laborer or extra at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Hal Roach Studios, his athletic skills eventually landed him occasional work as a stunt man, notably in "The Trail of '98" (1928).

Burlesque and Bud Abbott

In 1928, with the advent of talking pictures, Costello turned to burlesque, where he met his future partner Bud Abbott in 1934. The duo's unique blend of wit, physical comedy, and timing catapulted them to fame, making them one of the most beloved and influential comedy teams of all time.

Film and Television Career

Abbott and Costello's film career spanned over 30 movies, including "Buck Privates" (1941), "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein" (1948), and " Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy" (1955). They also starred in their own television show, "The Abbott and Costello Show," which aired from 1952 to 1954.

Legacy and Impact

Lou Costello's impact on comedy is still felt today, with his signature style of slapstick humor and witty banter inspiring generations of comedians. The duo's "Who's on First?" routine remains a comedy classic, and their influence can be seen in many modern comedy teams and duos.

In addition to their entertainment legacy, Abbott and Costello also made significant contributions to the war effort during World War II, selling millions of dollars in war bonds and entertaining troops overseas.

Personal Life and Milestones

Costello married Anne Battler in 1934, and they had four children together. He passed away on March 3, 1959, at the age of 52, due to a heart attack.

• Awards and Honors: Costello was awarded two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one for Motion Pictures and one for Television.
• Quote: "I'm no actor. I'm a comedian. There's a difference. An actor can be a comedian, but a comedian can't be an actor."
• Trivia: Costello's brother, Anthony Pat Cristillo, was a professional musician who used the stage name "Pat Costello."

Lou Costello's remarkable career and legacy continue to entertain and inspire audiences today, cementing his place as one of the greatest comedians of all time.