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Ken Niles

Ken Niles

Ken Niles biography (December 9, 1906 – October 31, 1988)

Ken Niles (1906-1988) was an American radio and television announcer best known for his work in the Golden Age of Radio. He had a distinctive voice and a long and successful career as a radio announcer and personality.

Ken Niles
Mike the Cop and Lou Costello, while the dynamite fuse is burning!

Gordon Jones biography

Gordon Jones (April 5, 1911 – June 20, 1963)

Leading man turned comedy actor Gordon Wynnivo Jones, aka. Gordon Jones, was an American actor during the mid-20th century. He was born on April 5, 1911, in Alden, Iowa, to a farming family. He developed an interest in acting at a young age and pursued a career in entertainment.

Gordon Jones biography
Connie Haines, circa 1943

Connie Haines biography

Connie Haines (January 20, 1921 – September 22, 2008)

Connie Haines was an American singer who gained popularity in the 1940s as a vocalist in big bands and as a solo artist. She was born as Yvonne Marie Antoinette JaMais on January 20, 1921, in Savannah, Georgia. Haines had a remarkable career that spanned over six decades. Her captivating voice, versatility, and engaging stage presence made her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

Connie Haines biography
Buddy Hackett and Harvey Korman

Bud and Lou

Bud and Lou (1978) starring Harvey Korman, Buddy Hackett, Arte Johnson

Bud and Lou is a TV movie. It’s a biography of the famous team of Abbott and Costello, from their initial pairing up to Lou’s death

Bud and Lou
Biography of Hillary Brooke (September 8, 1914 - May 25, 1999)

Hillary Brooke biography

Biography of Hillary Brooke (September 8, 1914 – May 25, 1999)

Hillary Brooke (born Beatrice Sofia Mathilda Peterson was an American film actress. She performed in a wide range of roles, from drama to comedy, and may be best remembered for her appearances with Abbott and Costello.

Hillary Brooke biography
In the Navy - Admiral Lou Costello

Lou Costello biography

Lou Costello (March 6, 1906 – March 3, 1959)

Lou Costello, the man who would ask the eternal question, Who’s on First?, was born as Louis Francis Cristillo on March 6, 1906.  He grew up in his hometown of  Patterson, New Jersey, which he mentioned in virtually every movie and television episode that he appeared in. After high school, he had been bitten by the entertainer bug, and worked as a carpenter at both MGM and Warner Brothers movie studios in an attempt to break into show business

Lou Costello biography
Bud Abbott - breaking through a drum in Rio Rita

Bud Abbott biography

William Alexander Abbot, aka. Bud Abbott (October 2, 1895 – April 24, 1974)

Some people are said to have show business in their blood – in  Bud Abbott’s case, it’s almost literally true.  Abbott’s mother was a bareback rider for the Ringling Brothers Circus. And his father worked as an advance man for the same circus. Bud Abbot was born and raised in Asbury Park, New Jersey, and was smitten with the performing bug at an early age. He dropped out of school at the age of 14 and began working in carnivals. Later he began working in theaters across the country, eventually becoming the manager of the Nation Theater in Detroit. While there, Abbott began performing on stage as straight man to vaudeville performers. This led to a chance encounter that changed his life.

Bud Abbott biography