Abbott and Costello (William (Bud) Abbott,
1897-1974; Louis Cristillo, 1906-1959) were an American comedy duo whose work in radio, film, and television made them one of the most popular and respected teams in comedy history. Their "Who's on First?" routine, developed during their years in burlesque, is widely considered to be one of the greatest comedy sketches of all time.
The two comedians first worked together in
1935 at the Eltinge burlesque theater on
42nd Street in New York. Costello became a burlesque comic in 1928 after failing as a
movie stunt double and extra; Abbott had
been in burlesque since 1916, as a cashier,
producer, and finally a performer. They
made their partnership formal in 1936,
building an act by adapting and improving
numerous old burlesque sketches into their
own style. Abbott was the arch, often
scheming straight man and Costello the
confused, context-challenged naif.
