Lou Costello, the original baaaad boy of comedy, never forgot his native Paterson, and since his death in 1959, his hometown hasn’t forgotten him. The city marks his 100th birthday this month with a three-day celebration culminating with a banquet on the 6th, Costello’s birthday.
The Costello Centennial Committee wants to raise money for a Lou Costello Paterson Youth Foundation that would assist local youth groups, says committee member Ed Franks. Costello, who always had a soft spot for kids, once helped finance a new recreation center in East Los Angeles.
Born Louis Francis Cristillo, Costello made his name on the burlesque circuit in the 1930s before teaming up with Asbury Park native Bud Abbott. They appeared in 36 films together, making famous their classic “Who’s on first” routine and catchphrases such as “Hey, Abbott!” and “I was a baaaad boy.” Costello’s frequent references to his hometown in their skits endeared himself to generations of Patersonians.
“New Jersey was always home to dad,” says daughter Chris Costello, who lives in California but hopes to attend the festivities in Paterson. “When you go back, you feel the love and the warmth that the fans and the new groups of fans have for Abbott and Costello.”