Louis Francis Costello met his partner Bud Abbott in 1936. 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. 

Their official teaming was in 1936 and, 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.  In 1956 they duo mutually split up after their last movie, Dance With Me, Henry, which did not do well. 

Bud and Lou's style and brand of comedy helped lift the morale of the American public during World War II. They funded (out-of-pocket) a cross-country tour to help raise much needed funds on behalf of the War Bond Drive and 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. 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. NBC welcomed Abbott & Costello to its new hour long live variety show, THE COLGATE COMEDY HOUR, as guest hosts 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 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. Abbott & Costello are the first non-baseball playing celebrities ever to be induced into the Baseball Hall of Fame.  Lou Costello died of a heart attack in 1959, just before his solo movie, The Thirty-Foot Bride of Candy Rock.  Bud Abbott died in 1974.  Today they are still celebrated as one of the greatest comedy teams in history.

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