Louis Francis Cristillo, known as Lou Costello, was an American actor best known for his work in comedy films and television alongside his partner Bud Abbott. He gained fame through movies like “Buck Privates,” “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein,” and their long-running radio and TV series.
Personal and Family Life
Lou Costello was born on March 6, 1906, in Paterson, New Jersey. He married Anne Costello on January 30, 1934, and they had four children together: Carole, Chris, Paddy, and Lou Jr. Costello often mentioned his hometown in his performances, and his family remained an important part of his life throughout his career.
Career Highlights
Costello started his career as a carpenter before becoming a stuntman and then a vaudeville comic. He partnered with Bud Abbott in the early 1930s, and they quickly became famous for their comedic routines, particularly the iconic “Who’s on First?” sketch. The duo enjoyed success in radio, film, and television, solidifying their status as one of America’s favorite comedy teams.
Death and Legacy
Lou Costello passed away on March 3, 1959, in East Los Angeles, California, due to a heart attack, just days before his 53rd birthday. His legacy lives on through his memorable performances and timeless comedic style. Costello remains a cherished figure in the history of American comedy, continuing to influence future generations of entertainers.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde | 1953-08-01 | Tubby |
| Bud Abbott and Lou Costello Meet Frankenstein | 1948-06-15 | Wilbur Grey |
| Africa Screams | 1949-05-04 | Stanley Livington |
| Pardon My Sarong | 1942-08-07 | Wellington Pflug |
| Mexican Hayride | 1948-12-27 | Joe Bascom / Harry Fish |
| Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy | 1955-06-23 | Freddie Franklin |
| Abbott and Costello Go to Mars | 1953-04-06 | Orville |
| Abbott and Costello in the Foreign Legion | 1950-08-05 | Lou Hotchkiss |
| Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man | 1951-04-12 | Lou Francis |
| Abbott and Costello Meet the Keystone Kops | 1955-02-02 | Willie ‘Tubby’ Piper |
| Abbott and Costello Meet the Killer, Boris Karloff | 1949-05-26 | Freddie Phillips |
| Buck Privates Come Home | 1947-04-04 | Herbie Brown |
| Comin’ Round the Mountain | 1951-07-26 | Wilbert Smith |
| Dance With Me, Henry | 1956-12-17 | Lou Henry |
| Here Come the Co-eds | 1945-02-02 | Oliver Quackenbush |
| Hit the Ice | 1943-06-02 | Weejie ‘Tubby’ McCoy |
| Keep ‘Em Flying | 1941-11-27 | Heathcliff |
| Lost in Alaska | 1952-08-13 | George Bell |
| In the Navy | 1941-05-30 | Pomeroy Watson |
| The Naughty Nineties | 1945-06-20 | Sebastian Dinwiddle |
| The Noose Hangs High | 1948-04-05 | Homer Hinchcliffe |
| Ride ‘Em Cowboy | 1942-02-13 | Willoughby |
| The Time of Their Lives | 1946-08-13 | Horatio Prim |
| The Wistful Widow of Wagon Gap | 1947-10-08 | Chester Wooley |
| Buck Privates | 1941-01-31 | Herbie Brown |
| One Night in the Tropics | 1940-11-15 | Costello |
| In Society | 1944-08-16 | Albert Mansfield |
| Little Giant | 1946-02-22 | Benny Miller |
| Hold That Ghost | 1941-08-08 | Ferdinand Jones |
| Abbott and Costello Meet Captain Kidd | 1952-12-27 | Captain ‘Puddin’ head’ Feathergill |
| Bud Abbott and Lou Costello in Hollywood | 1945-10-05 | Abercrombie |
| Who Done It? | 1942-10-30 | Mervin Q. Milgrim |
| Jack and the Beanstalk | 1952-04-07 | Jack / Jack Strong |
| It Ain’t Hay | 1943-03-10 | Wilbur Hoolihan |
| Rio Rita | 1942-03-11 | Wishy |
| Lost in a Harem | 1944-12-01 | Harvey Garvey |
| The 30 Foot Bride of Candy Rock | 1959-08-06 | Artie Pinsetter |