Lou Costello
Actor
About Lou Costello
Lou Costello, born Louis Francis Cristillo, rose from humble beginnings in Paterson, New Jersey to become one of America's most beloved comedians. After working various odd jobs including as a stuntman and burlesque performer, he met his future partner Bud Abbott in 1936, forming what would become one of the most successful comedy teams in entertainment history. Their breakthrough came with their signature 'Who's on First?' routine, which catapulted them from vaudeville and radio to Hollywood stardom in the late 1930s. Throughout the 1940s, Abbott and Costello dominated box offices with hits like 'Buck Privates' (1941), 'Hold That Ghost' (1941), and 'Pardon My Sarong' (1942), becoming Universal Pictures' biggest moneymakers during World War II. The duo successfully transitioned to television in the 1950s with 'The Abbott and Costello Show,' which pioneered the sitcom format and influenced generations of comedians. Costello's career was marked by personal tragedy, including the death of his infant son in 1943, yet he continued to perform until his partnership with Abbott dissolved in 1957. Despite health problems and financial difficulties in his later years, Costello's legacy as a master of physical comedy and timing remains unparalleled in classic American entertainment.
The Craft
On Screen
Costello perfected the art of the 'comical fool' with his distinctive high-pitched voice, expressive face, and masterful physical comedy. His technique involved playing the perpetually confused, childlike character who would misunderstand everything, creating comedy through his increasingly frustrated reactions to Abbott's straight-man delivery. He excelled at slapstick, pratfalls, and visual gags, often using his stocky build to great comedic effect. His timing was impeccable, whether delivering rapid-fire dialogue or executing complex physical routines. Costello's style combined elements of vaudeville, burlesque, and early film comedy, creating a unique persona that audiences found both hilarious and endearing.
Milestones
- Formation of Abbott and Costello comedy partnership (1936)
- Creation of legendary 'Who's on First?' routine (1938)
- Film debut in 'One Night in the Tropics' (1940)
- Breakthrough success with 'Buck Privates' (1941)
- Universal Pictures' top box office stars during WWII (1941-1945)
- Launch of 'The Abbott and Costello Show' on television (1952)
- Induction into the International Comedy Hall of Fame
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Photoplay Award for Most Popular Comedy Team (with Bud Abbott, 1942)
- Special Academy Award (with Bud Abbott, 1956) - 'For their brilliant contribution to the art of motion picture comedy'
Nominated
- Academy Award nomination for Best Writing (Original Screenplay) for 'Buck Privates' (1941)
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (with Bud Abbott) at 6253 Hollywood Blvd
- Inducted into the International Comedy Hall of Fame
- Inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame
- U.S. Postal Service commemorative stamp (1994)
- American Film Institute's 100 Years...100 Laughs list for 'Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein'
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Lou Costello, as half of Abbott and Costello, fundamentally shaped American comedy throughout the mid-20th century. Their 'Who's on First?' routine became one of the most famous comedy sketches of all time, transcending generations and being preserved in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Their films helped establish Universal Pictures as a major studio during the 1940s, and their success paved the way for other comedy teams in Hollywood. The duo's television show pioneered the sitcom format, using the single-camera setup and laugh track that would become standard for decades. Costello's physical comedy style influenced countless performers, from early television comedians to modern film stars. Their work broke new ground in comedy by blending sophisticated wordplay with slapstick humor, appealing to both intellectual and mass audiences.
Lasting Legacy
Lou Costello's legacy endures through the timeless comedy he created with Bud Abbott, which continues to entertain audiences decades after their heyday. Their films remain staples of classic movie channels and streaming services, introducing new generations to their unique brand of humor. The Abbott and Costello partnership is widely regarded as one of the greatest comedy teams in history, alongside legends like Laurel and Hardy and the Marx Brothers. Costello's contribution to comedy language includes phrases and routines that have entered the cultural lexicon. Their work has been referenced and parodied in countless films, TV shows, and even academic studies of comedy. The duo's success demonstrated the commercial viability of comedy in Hollywood, influencing studio production strategies for years to come.
Who They Inspired
Costello's influence on comedy is immeasurable, with his techniques and timing studied by comedians across generations. His ability to play the 'straight man's foil' while maintaining audience sympathy became a template for future comedy partnerships. The physical comedy he perfected influenced performers from Jackie Gleason to Jim Carrey. His work in bridging vaudeville, radio, film, and television showed comedians how to adapt across media platforms. The Abbott and Costello format of the smart-aleck straight man and the bumbling fool has been replicated in countless comedy teams, from Rowan and Martin to Frasier and Niles Crane. Even modern comedy duos like Key and Peele cite Costello's influence in their character dynamics and timing.
Off Screen
Lou Costello married Anne Battlers in 1934, and they remained married until his death in 1959. The couple had four children, though tragedy struck when their first-born son, Lou Jr., drowned in the family swimming pool at just 11 months old in 1943, an event that deeply affected Costello for the rest of his life. He was known for his generosity and often gave away large sums of money to friends, family, and charities, which contributed to his financial difficulties later in life. Despite his on-screen persona as a bumbling fool, Costello was actually a shrewd businessman who negotiated some of the most profitable contracts in Hollywood during his peak years. He was a devout Catholic and maintained strong ties to his Italian-American heritage throughout his life.
Education
Attended public schools in Paterson, New Jersey; graduated from Paterson Central High School in 1924
Family
- Anne Battlers (1934-1959)
Did You Know?
- Before becoming famous, Costello worked as a stunt double for Tom Mix in Western films
- He was an accomplished boxer in his youth and won several amateur boxing titles
- Costello's original stage name was 'Lou Costello,' chosen because it sounded more Italian-American
- He once owned a minor league baseball team, the Hollywood Stars
- The famous 'Who's on First?' routine was actually adapted from an earlier vaudeville sketch
- Costello was the first person to ever say 'I love Lucy' on television during a guest appearance
- He suffered from rheumatic fever as a child, which affected his health throughout his life
- Costello was an avid horse racing enthusiast and owned several racehorses
- His salary at the peak of his career was over $100,000 per week (equivalent to over $1 million today)
- He appeared on the very first cover of TV Guide magazine in 1953
- Costello was a close friend of baseball star Babe Ruth and often played charity games with him
In Their Own Words
I'm a bad boy, but I'm a good bad boy!
Who's on first, What's on second, I Don't Know is on third.
I'm 5-foot-6, 240 pounds, and I'm the only guy in the world who can gain weight by drinking water.
A laugh is a noise that comes out of your mouth.
We're in the money, the skies are sunny.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Lou Costello?
Lou Costello was an American comedian and actor who, as half of the legendary comedy duo Abbott and Costello, became one of the most popular entertainers of the 1940s and 1950s. Known for his distinctive high-pitched voice, physical comedy, and the role of the comical fool, he helped create some of the most iconic comedy routines in American entertainment history, including the famous 'Who's on First?' sketch.
What films is Lou Costello best known for?
Lou Costello is best known for his work with Bud Abbott in films like 'Buck Privates' (1941), 'Hold That Ghost' (1941), 'In the Navy' (1941), 'Pardon My Sarong' (1942), and their most famous horror-comedy 'Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein' (1948). Other notable films include 'Who Done It?' (1949), 'Africa Screams' (1949), and 'Jack and the Beanstalk' (1952).
When was Lou Costello born and when did he die?
Lou Costello was born Louis Francis Cristillo on March 6, 1906, in Paterson, New Jersey, and died on March 3, 1959, in East Los Angeles, California, just three days before his 53rd birthday from a heart attack.
What awards did Lou Costello win?
Lou Costello and Bud Abbott received a Special Academy Award in 1956 for their brilliant contribution to motion picture comedy. They also won a Photoplay Award for Most Popular Comedy Team in 1942 and were honored with stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Their work has been recognized by the American Film Institute and they were inducted into the International Comedy Hall of Fame.
What was Lou Costello's acting style?
Costello's acting style was characterized by his mastery of physical comedy, pratfalls, and expressive facial reactions. He perfected the 'comical fool' archetype with his childlike innocence and perpetual confusion, creating humor through his misunderstanding of Abbott's straight-man delivery. His distinctive high-pitched voice, impeccable timing, and ability to convey both frustration and endearment made him one of the most beloved comedians of his era.
Learn More
Films
4 films
