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Lou Costello Biography
Lou Costello was an American comedian, actor, and producer. He was best known as the “funny man” half of the comedy duo Abbott and Costello.
Costello was born Louis Francis Cristillo on March 6, 1906, in Paterson, New Jersey. He began his career in vaudeville in the early 1920s, and he worked as a stuntman and a carpenter before becoming a full-time comedian.
In 1931, Costello met Bud Abbott while working in Brooklyn. The two men quickly formed a comedy partnership, and they went on to become one of the most popular comedy teams in the world.
Between 1940 and 1956, Abbott and Costello made 36 films together. Their most popular films included “Buck Privates” (1941), “Hold That Ghost” (1941), “In the Navy” (1941), “The Time of Their Lives” (1946), and “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein” (1948). They also had their own radio show, “The Abbott and Costello Show,” which ran from 1942 to 1954.
Abbott and Costello were known for their physical comedy and their ability to improvise. They were also masters of the “double act,” in which one actor (Abbott) played the straight man and the other (Costello) played the funny man. Their comedy was often based on misunderstandings and wordplay.
Abbott and Costello were one of the most popular comedy teams in the world during their heyday. They were also one of the most successful, earning a percentage of the profits from their films. They were inducted into the Hall of Fame of the American Comedy Awards in 1988.
Lou Costello Age
Lou Costello was born on March 6, 1906, and died on March 3, 1959. He was 52 years old when he passed away.
Lou Costello Family
Lou Costello was born Louis Francis Cristillo on March 6, 1906, in Paterson, New Jersey. He was the son of Sebastiano Cristillo, a silk weaver and insurance sales agent, and Helen Rege, a homemaker. He had two siblings: an older brother, Pat Costello, and a younger sister, Marie Katherine Cristillo.
Pat Costello was a musician who led his own band before moving to Hollywood, where he was enlisted to perform stunts in Lou’s place in the first ten Abbott and Costello films. He later appeared in a supporting role in Mexican Hayride (1948).
Marie Katherine Cristillo was a homemaker and worked as a secretary for a time. She was married and had two children.
Lou Costello was very close to his family, and they were always supportive of his career. His parents were especially proud of his success, and they were always there to offer him encouragement.
Costello’s parents died in the 1940s, and his sister Marie died in 1968. His brother Pat died in 1977.
Costello’s family was a major source of support for him throughout his life, and he was always grateful for their love and understanding.
Lou Costello Wife I Lou Costello Children
Lou Costello was married to Anne Battler from 1934 until his death in 1959. They had four children together: Patricia “Paddy” Costello (born 1936), Carole Costello (born 1938), Lou Jr. (nicknamed “Butch”) (born 1942), and Christine “Chris” Costello (born 1947).
Paddy Costello was a stay-at-home mom and homemaker. She appeared in uncredited baby roles in a few Abbott and Costello films.
Carole Costello was a contestant coordinator for the game show Card Sharks as well as a nightclub singer. She died of a stroke on March 29, 1987 at age 48 while married to Craig Martin, eldest son of Dean Martin. Carole’s daughter Marki Costello is an actress, director and producer in film and television.
Lou Jr. Costello drowned in a swimming pool accident in 1943 at the age of 11 months.
Chris Costello was a writer and producer. She worked on several television shows, including “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “Cheers.”
Lou Costello’s children were all very close to him, and they were devastated by his death. They have all gone on to successful careers in their own right, and they are all proud of their father’s legacy.
Lou Costello Career
Lou Costello began his career in vaudeville in the early 1920s. He worked as a stuntman and a carpenter before becoming a full-time comedian.
In 1931, Costello met Bud Abbott while working in Brooklyn. The two men quickly formed a comedy partnership, and they went on to become one of the most popular comedy teams in the world.
Between 1940 and 1956, Abbott and Costello made 36 films together. Their most popular films included “Buck Privates” (1941), “Hold That Ghost” (1941), “In the Navy” (1941), “The Time of Their Lives” (1946), and “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein” (1948). They also had their own radio show, “The Abbott and Costello Show,” which ran from 1942 to 1954.
Abbott and Costello were known for their physical comedy and their ability to improvise. They were also masters of the “double act,” in which one actor (Abbott) played the straight man and the other (Costello) played the funny man. Their comedy was often based on misunderstandings and wordplay.
Abbott and Costello were one of the most popular comedy teams in the world during their heyday. They were also one of the most successful, earning a percentage of the profits from their films. They were inducted into the Hall of Fame of the American Comedy Awards in 1988.
Costello died on March 3, 1959, at the age of 52. He had been suffering from heart disease for several years. His death was a major loss to the world of comedy, but his legacy lives on. His work with Bud Abbott continues to entertain audiences today, and he is still considered one of the greatest comedians of all time.
Here are some of Lou Costello’s most famous catchphrases
- “Who’s on first?”
- “That’s the trouble with you, Abbott!”
- “I’m a little short on cash.”
- “You’re killing me, Abbott!”
- “Oh, brother!”
Costello’s comedy was often self-deprecating, and he was known for his ability to make fun of himself. He was also a master of physical comedy, and he was always willing to put his body on the line for a laugh.
Costello’s influence on the world of comedy is undeniable. He was one of the first comedians to use improvisation in his act, and he helped to popularize the “double act” format. His work with Bud Abbott has entertained audiences for generations, and it continues to be enjoyed by people of all ages today.
Lou Costello Death
Lou Costello died on March 3, 1959, at the age of 52. He had been suffering from heart disease for several years, and he died of a heart attack at his home in North Hollywood, California.
He also pioneered American comedy, and many contemporary comedians’ work still reflects his influence.
They held Costello’s funeral at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California, and he was buried next to his wife, Anne Battler.
In his obituary, the New York Times called Costello “one of the most beloved and enduring comedians in American history.” The Times also noted that Costello was “a master of physical comedy and improvisation,” and that he “was able to create a perfect foil for the more raving Abbott.”
Costello’s death was a major loss to the world of comedy, but his legacy lives on. His work with Bud Abbott continues to entertain audiences today, and he remains considered one of the greatest comedians of all time.
Lou Costello Net worth
At the time of his death, estimates placed Lou Costello’s net worth at around $250,000. This is equivalent to around $2.3 million in today’s dollars after adjusting for inflation.
