October 2, 2014 would have been the 117th birthday of arguably the greatest straight man in all of comedy, Bud Abbott. Let’s take a closer look at one of freemasonry’s most iconic members.
Born to Rae and Harry Abbott in New Jersey, William Alexander Abbott did not complete a formal education to work for his father at the Columbia Burlesque Wheel. There he worked during his teenage years as a box office attendant and later a manager for several burlesque tours. He moved to Detroit in 1918 where he found who would be his wife of 55 years, Jenny Mae Pratt (her stage name was Betty Smith). During his time in Detroit, he joined Daylight Lodge No. 525.
Lou Costello came into Abbott’s life in the 1930s when Costello, a rising star trying to make a big break, was in need of a partner due to his regular being ill. By 1936, the duo agreed to become a permanent pair with Abbott being the straight man and Costello playing the dimwitted funny man. Over the next twenty years, Abbott and Costello became one of the biggest acts in America. They starred in movies like One Night in the Tropics before receiving their own radio and television shows. Using their fame as actors and comedians, the duo raised over $85 million in war bonds for World War II. Abbott and Costello officially disbanded in 1957.
After Costello’s death in 1959, Abbott gave up comedy. In 1960, he was honored with three stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame; for radio, television, and motion pictures. Bud passed away at the age of 78 on April 24, 1974.
Bud Abbott and Lou Costello’s most iconic bit is “Who’s on First?” which has been often imitated but never duplicated. Even to this day, their routine instantly brings smiles and laughter. “Who’s on First?” earned the duo a permanent spot in the Cooperstown’s Baseball Hall of Fame. Please take a few minutes to watch this historic scene and share a few laughs.
