Abbott & Costello were one of the greatest comedy teams in the history of show business. They mastered the straightman/clown relationship, creating a magical chemistry that would take them from the burlesque stage to radio to broadway to film and finally, to television Born William Alexander Abbott on October 6, 1897 in Asbury Park, N.J., Bud became one of the most sought after and polished straightmen on the burlesque circuit. It was here that he met his future partner, Louis Francis Cristillo, born on March 6, 1906 in Paterson, N.J. Their official teaming was in 1936. Although they became a popular booking commodity on the burlesque wheel, it wasn't until they appeared on the KATE SMITH RADIO HOUR, performing what would soon become known as their classic signature skit, "Who's On First," that Bud Abbott & Lou Costello were hurled to stardom, and to Hollywood. Signed to Universal in 1939, Abbott & Costello reigned as the new "Kings Of Comedy," producing a solid decade of box office hits as: "Buck Privates;" "In The Navy;" "Hold That Ghost;" "Naughty Nineties;" "Time Of Their Lives;" and their 1948 monster classic, "Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein." Today, that film remains a favorite among fans, as well as an international cult masterpiece.
Bud and Lou's style and brand of comedy helped lift the morale of the American public during World War II. Eager to lend their time to the war effort, the boys funded (out-of-pocket) a cross-country tour to help raise much needed funds on behalf of the War Bond Drive. Everywhere they appeared there were sell-out audiences. They were honored on the steps of New York's City Hall by Mayor Furiello LaGuardia for raising a record-breaking 89 million in just three days! As the country eased into the 1950's, Abbott & Costello tackled a new medium: Television. Comedy historians have glossed over their contribution, but in fact, Bud and Lou became early television pioneers, along with Phil Silvers, Milton Berle, Jack Benny, and Lucille Ball & Desi Arnaz. THE ABBOTT & COSTELLO SHOW debuted in 1952, running for two seasons on CBS. Today, the show is seeing a revival with the 1993 and 1994 episode video releases from Shanachie Entertainment and in a 1994 Columbia House infomercial. To further display their burlesque wares on the live stage, which was always home to the boys, NBC welcomed Abbott & Costello to its new hour long live variety show, THE COLGATE COMEDY HOUR, as guest hosts. Debuting on January 7, 1951, Bud and Lou boosted the show's ratings as they brought the Abbott & Costello staple routines, including "Who's On First." In 1956, one year before the release of their last film together, "Dance With Me Henry," and their official (and amicable) split, Bud and Lou were brought together on THE STEVE ALLEN SHOW before a live nationwide viewing audience. The emotion was further heightened when unbeknownst to both men, Steve Allen announced the induction of Abbott & Costello and their Gold Record of "Who's On First" into the World-famous, BASEBALL HALL OF FAME in Cooperstown, N.Y. Many are not aware that Abbott & Costello are the first non-baseball playing celebrities ever to be induced into the Hall of Fame.
