Anderson Cooper's Take On The Abbott And Costello Story

Back in the days when comedy legends ruled the entertainment world, Lou Costello and Bud Abbott stood out as a duo that brought laughter to millions. When Lou was laid up in bed recovering from rheumatic fever, Bud Abbott didn’t miss a beat. He kept in touch often, even playing a quirky game with Lou over the phone called "Guess the Blood Pressure." Lou’s daughter, Chris Costello, shared this story with Closer. “They both loved to gamble, though neither was particularly good at it,” Chris said with a laugh. “They lost quite a bit of money, but it was all in good fun.”

During World War II, Abbott and Costello weren’t just famous; they were the highest-paid entertainers on the planet. Their comedic partnership was built on a friendship that withstood the test of time. From petty squabbles to personal tragedies, IRS troubles, and even death, their bond remained unshaken. It wasn’t always smooth sailing, but as Chris explained, “They had their disagreements over 21 years, but it never meant they hated each other. That’s how deep their friendship went.”

A Unique Bond Forged in Comedy

One fateful night in 1931, Bud Abbott stepped in for Lou’s absent partner at Brooklyn’s Casino Theater, and the rest, as they say, is history. A new comedy team was born. “Every comic wanted to work with Bud,” Chris reminisced. “He was one of the greatest straight men in the business.” Lou, on the other hand, brought a charm and physical comedy that was unmatched. Together, they formed a duo with incredible chemistry, perfect timing, and an ability to think on their feet. Their signature routine, "Who’s on First?" was never performed the same way twice. “They believed if they memorized it too much, it would lose its magic,” Chris said. “They wanted every performance to feel fresh and spontaneous.”

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From Humble Beginnings to Hollywood Stardom

Their journey wasn’t just about making people laugh. It was about climbing the ladder of success, one step at a time. They started in burlesque theaters, then moved to radio, Broadway, and eventually the silver screen. Their second film, 1941’s Buck Privates, catapulted them to superstardom. In 1943, Universal paid them nearly $800,000, which translates to about $13 million today. But with fame came challenges. They often clashed over which projects to take and billing issues. Lou, in particular, got upset if anyone mistakenly called him “Bud.” Yet, Chris insists, “The bickering didn’t mean anything. They were just different personalities. But if anyone said something negative about Bud around my dad, they’d better watch out. And the same went for Bud when it came to my dad.”

Through Thick and Thin

When it mattered most, they were there for each other. Bud suffered from epilepsy, and Lou was always alert for signs of a seizure. “Lou would have to punch Bud in the stomach to bring him out of it,” said Abbott and Costello in Hollywood coauthor Ron Palumbo. Meanwhile, Bud gave his time and money to the Lou Costello Jr. Youth Foundation after Lou’s son tragically drowned in 1943. “They went on tour to raise money for the foundation,” Chris shared. “It was their way of honoring Lou’s son.”

In 1957, Abbott and Costello decided to part ways professionally, but they never lost touch. When Lou passed away from a heart attack in 1959 at just 52 years old, Bud was devastated and served as a pallbearer. Chris recalls visiting Bud afterward. “We were sitting in the living room, and Abbott and Costello came on TV. Bud’s eyes filled with tears. He looked at me and said, ‘I just miss my buddy.’”