ABBOTT & COSTELLO (LOU COSTELLO) - DOCUMENT SIGNED 06/24/1952 - HFSID 226409

LOU COSTELLO
Comedian Lou Costello, one-half of Abbott and Costello, signed this document in 1952 to declare that his betting losses from 1946 exceeded his betting wins. This document is probably related to his tax problems with the IRS, which left him broke by the mid-1950s.
Documentsigned "Lou Costello" and by notary public, both in blue ink. Blank ink notary stamp in lower left corner. 1 page, 8½x11, carbon copy. With embossed 1 ½ -inch diameter embossed notary seal in bottom left corner. June 24, 1952. Costello signed this affidavit the county of Los Angeles, state of California, that his losses exceeded his winnings from wagering in 1946. He was probably rehashing this six year-old information because he was in trouble with the Internal Revenue Service for back taxes. Lou and his partner Bud Abbott wound up selling most of their assets, including their film rights, to satisfy the tax man. Costello and partner Bud Abbott premiered their TV show, The Abbott and Costello Show (1952-1958), in the year that Costello signed this contract. The comedy duo also appeared in three movies: Jack and the Beanstalk, Lost in Alaska and Abbott and Costello Meet Captain Kidd. With partner BUD ABBOTT (1895-1974, born William A Abbott in Asbury Park, New Jersey), LOU COSTELLO (1906-1959, born Louis Francis Cristillo in Paterson, New Jersey) formed one of the greatest comedy teams in the history of show business. They mastered the straight man/clown relationship, creating a magical chemistry that took them from vaudeville and burlesque to radio, Broadway, film and television. The Abbott & Costello Show aired on radio on ABC from 1941 to 1946 and on NBC from 1946 to 1949. Abbott and Costello were also guest hosts of NBC's hour-long live variety show, The Colgate Comedy Hour, seven times between 1951 and 1954. Their "Who's on First?" routine is enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Abbott and Costello split up in 1957 after troubles with the Internal Revenue Service left both men broke. Lightly toned and creased. Carbon copy marks. Staple holes and two file holes at top edge. Otherwise in fine condition.