Lou Costello (1906–1959)
Lou Costello, born Louis Francis Cristillo on March 6, 1906, in Paterson, New Jersey, was one of America’s greatest comedians and the beloved comic half of the legendary duo Abbott and Costello. His expressive face, impeccable timing, and childlike innocence made him one of the most recognizable entertainers of the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Early Life
Costello was the son of Sebastiano Cristillo, an immigrant from Calabria, Italy, and Helen Rege Cristillo, whose ancestry included Italian, French, and Irish roots. He grew up in Paterson, where he attended local schools and developed a love for sports and comedy, especially the films of Charlie Chaplin. Rather than finishing high school, he headed to Hollywood in 1927 hoping to become an actor. Initially he found work as a laborer, extra, and stuntman before returning east to pursue a career in vaudeville.
Partnership with Bud Abbott
In 1931, Costello teamed with Bud Abbott after Abbott filled in for another performer. Their chemistry was immediate: Abbott played the fast-talking straight man while Costello portrayed the lovable, bewildered everyman.
The duo became national stars through:
- Vaudeville
- Radio
- Broadway
- Motion pictures
- Television
Their greatest routine, “Who’s on First?”, is considered one of the finest comedy sketches ever written. It has been preserved in the archives of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and remains one of the most frequently performed comedy routines in history.
Hollywood Success
Abbott and Costello signed with Universal Pictures in 1940. Their second film, Buck Privates (1941), became a huge success and launched a remarkable run of box-office hits.
Among their best-known films are:
- Buck Privates (1941)
- In the Navy (1941)
- Hold That Ghost (1941)
- Pardon My Sarong (1942)
- The Time of Their Lives (1946)
- Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)
- Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man (1951)
- Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy (1955)
During World War II, Abbott and Costello ranked among the world’s highest-paid entertainers.
Personal Tragedy
In 1943, Costello suffered one of the greatest tragedies of his life when his one-year-old son, Lou Costello Jr., accidentally drowned in the family’s swimming pool. Friends noted that Costello was deeply affected by the loss, though he continued to perform.
Connection to Paterson
Despite his worldwide fame, Costello always remained proud of his hometown. He frequently mentioned Paterson in his routines and interviews, helping make the city known to audiences across America.
Today, Paterson honors him with:
- A bronze statue in downtown Paterson
- The annual Lou Costello Memorial Association events
- His inclusion in the city’s rich cultural history
He was also inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2009 alongside Bud Abbott.
Death
Lou Costello died of a heart attack on March 3, 1959, just three days before his 53rd birthday. Although Abbott and Costello had ended their partnership a few years earlier, Costello remained one of America’s most beloved comedians until his death.
Legacy
Lou Costello’s influence on comedy continues to this day. His physical humor, flawless comic timing, and unforgettable performances have inspired generations of comedians. “Who’s on First?” remains one of the greatest examples of verbal comedy ever created and is still performed and studied more than 80 years after its debut.
For residents of Paterson, Lou Costello remains one of the city’s most famous native sons—a symbol of how talent, perseverance, and humor can carry a local boy from the streets of Paterson to international stardom.