Guide Note
Bud Abbott and Lou Costello are one of the best-known comedy teams in history. The “straightman/clown” relationship was the hallmark of their partnership. Originally a burlesque act, their partnership successfully transitioned into radio, Broadway, television and film.
Fast Facts
- William (Bud) Alexander Abbott was born on October 2, 1897 in Asbury Park, New Jersey and died on April 24, 1974 in Woodland Hills, California
- Bud Abbott married Betty Smith in 1918 and they later adopted two children: William Bud and Victoria1
- Lou Costello (birth name: Louis Francis Cristillo) was born on March 6, 1906 in Paterson, New Jersey and died on March 3, 1959 in Sherman Oaks, California
- Lou Costello married Anne Battler in 1934 and they had four children: Carole, Patricia, Lou, Jr. and Chris1
- 1991: The United States Postal Service included Abbott & Costello as part of their Comedy Legends commemorative stamp booklet2
Professional Highlights
- 1936: Abbott & Costello first teamed together2
- 1936: First performed the famous Who's on First? routine in a Brooklyn burlesque house3
- 1939: The team went under contract with Universal Studios
- 1940: Made their film debut in One Night in the Tropics
- 1941-1946: The Abbott & Costello Show aired on ABC radio3
- 1946-1949: The Abbott & Costello Show aired on NBC radio3
- 1951: On January 7, Abbott & Costello appeared as guest hosts on NBC's hour-long live variety show, The Colgate Comedy Hour
- 1952-1953: The Abbott & Costello Show appeared on CBS for two seasons
- 1956: On the Steve Allen Show, Allen announced the induction of Abbott & Costello's Gold Record of Who's On First into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York2
- 1956: Their final film as a team, Dance with Me, Henry!, was released
- 1957: Officially dissolved their partnership
- 1994: At 10:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving evening, Abbott & Costello Meet Jerry Seinfeld aired on NBC to an audience of over 20 million and received a #2 rating from TV Guide2
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