Origins & Early Life

Louis Francis Cristillo (March 6, 1906 – March 3, 1959), better known as Lou Costello, was an American comedian, actor and producer. He was best known for his double act with Bud Abbott and their routine "Who's on First?". Abbott and Costello, who teamed in burlesque in 1936, were among the most popular and highest-paid entertainers in the world during World War II. During a national tour in 1942, they sold $85 million in war bonds in 35 days.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

By 1955, their popularity waned from overexposure, and their film and television contracts lapsed. Their partnership ended in 1957, after which Costello made numerous solo appearances on TV and starred in one film. Louis Francis Cristillo was born on March 6, 1906, in Paterson, New Jersey, the son of Sebastiano Cristillo, an insurance sales agent, and Helen Rege, a silk weaver. His father was Italian, from Caserta, Campania, while his mother was an American of Italian, French and Irish ancestry, with her grandfather Francesco Rege being a native of Piedmont, Italy. Costello attended Public School 15 in Paterson and was considered a gifted athlete.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He excelled in basketball and reportedly was twice Paterson's free-throw champion...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• A. J. P. Taylor — Contemporary (Born in 1906) (1906): Influential English historian specializing in 19th and 20th-century European diplomacy.
• Adolf Eichmann — Contemporary (Born in 1906) (1906): Nazi SS officer and key organizer of the Holocaust's logistics.
• Ajahn Buddhadasa — Contemporary (Born in 1906) (1906): Pioneering Thai Buddhist monk known for reinterpreting doctrine and fostering religious reformation.
• Ahlam Mosteghanemi — Contemporary (Born in 1959) (1959): Pioneering Algerian poet and novelist, celebrated for her evocative Arabic literature.
• Allison Janney — Contemporary (Born in 1959) (1959): Acclaimed American actress known for roles in The West Wing and Masters of Sex.
• Anil Kapoor — Contemporary (Born in 1959) (1959): Veteran Indian actor and film producer known for his work in Hindi cinema.
• Adolph Caesar — Shared historical date (03-06 · Died) (1986): Acclaimed American actor known for his deep voice and Off-Broadway staple status.
• Alan Greenspan — Shared historical date (03-06 · Born) (1926): Influential American economist, former Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board.
• Alexander Graham Bell — Shared historical date (03-03 · Born) (1847): Pioneering inventor credited with patenting the first practical telephone.
• Aurangzeb — Shared historical date (03-03 · Died) (1707): Sixth Mughal Emperor who expanded the empire to its greatest extent.
• 1906 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1906
• March 6 (03-06) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on March 6
• 1959 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1959
• March 3 (03-03) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on March 3