Abbott & Costello were one of the greatest comedy teams in the history of show business. They mastered the straightman/clown relationship creating a magical chemistry that would take them from the burlesque stage to radio to broadway to film and finally to television Born William Alexander Abbott on October 6 1897 in Asbury Park N.J. Bud became one of the most sought after and polished straightmen on the burlesque circuit. It was here that he met his future partner Louis Francis Cristillo born on March 6 1906 in Paterson N.J. Their official teaming was in 1936. Although they became a popular booking commodity on the burlesque wheel it wasn't until they appeared on the KATE SMITH RADIO HOUR performing what would soon become known as their classic signature skit "Who's On First " that Bud Abbott & Lou Costello were hurled to stardom and to Hollywood