Lou Costello

Biography

Louis Francis Cristillo was born on March 6, 1906, in Paterson, New Jersey. The son of Italian immigrants, he was a natural performer from childhood, winning amateur competitions and dreaming of Hollywood. Costello moved to Hollywood in his teens, working as a laborer and movie extra before returning to the East Coast to pursue burlesque comedy. He developed his character — the chubby, confused, lovable everyman — through years of live performance, learning to time physical comedy and verbal misunderstandings with exquisite precision. When he was paired with Bud Abbott in 1936, the magic was immediate. Costello's ability to be genuinely confused, frightened, and outraged while remaining sympathetic was a rare gift. His rubber-faced reactions and high-pitched protests became beloved trademarks. The duo's radio show (1940-1949) made them national stars. Costello's verbal comedy — the misunderstandings, the circular logic, the building panic — translated perfectly to radio, where the audience's imagination amplified every reaction. Costello's personal life was marked by tragedy. His infant son, Lou Jr., drowned in the family swimming pool in 1943. Despite his grief, Costello performed his radio show that evening, one of the most legendary acts of professionalism in broadcasting history. He died of a heart attack on March 3, 1959, just three days before his 53rd birthday. His last words were reportedly, "That was the best ice cream soda I ever tasted."

Radio Credits — In Our Archive

Film Credits

Television Credits

Quotes