Chris Costello
Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA., Chris
has been an active part of the entertainment industry since she was 16.
In the mid-60’s, Chris was part of an
all girl singing trio which landed them a contract with Columbia Records. Considered the
ultimate hoax, they donned English accents, acquired fictitious names and fooled even the
top record execs into thinking they were from England!
Restless and wanting to travel, Chris
applied and was accepted with United Airlines. Her stint was a stewardess (or,
“flight attendant” today) lasted from 1968 to 1972. In 1973, Chris returned to
her love, singing. Only this time she was determined to be legit!
She appeared in nightclubs around the
country, including a 4-month tour of Japan. She became the opening act for comedienne Joan
Rivers in L.A. and took her own show to the Tropicana in Las Vegas.
On the stage, Chris performed in Steve
Allen’s west coast production of THE GOOD OLD DAYS and received critical acclaim for
her role as the wacky, off-beat “baby love” in Truman Capote’s THE GRASS
HARP. On film, Chris appeared in the Burt Reynolds film SEMI-TOUGH and landed a role as a
television reporter in Mae West’s biographical film, SEXTET. Chris has appeared in
over 2 dozen television commercials, HONDA, PACIFIC BELL and SEES CANDY to name a few.
In 1980, Chris joined the big band of BILL
TOLE AND HIS ORCHESTRA as his featured vocalist. From 1980 to 1987 she appeared with the
orchestra in Las Vegas, Arizona, at Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, ABC Entertainment
Complex and at the legendary Casino Ballroom on Catalina Island. A highlight for Chris
came when she accepted the offer to perform with the daughters of Jo Stafford (Amy Weston)
and Margaret Whiting (Debbie Whiting) in a special salute to the big bands with the
all-new Billy May Orchestra in New Jersey.
In 1983, Chris formed her own public
relations company, COSTELLO & COMPANY. “I always found myself promoting myself
and others while working in the business, it was a hobby turned profession and one
that’s been very lucrative for me.”
As a publicist, Chris was able to help grab
the reins in promoting Abbott & Costello. THE BEST OF ABBOTT & COSTELLO, LIVE
(Warner Home Video; 1988) allowed her that window in which to create a revival!
On the lecture circuit, Chris has presented
her LOU’S ON FIRST SLIDE AND AUDIO SHOW at the Adela Rodgers St. John Round
Table, for MENSA, various women’s organizations, schools and colleges around the
country, and even spoke on Abbott & Costello’s burlesque year’s at
UCLA’s Burlesque Symposium in 1996.
She has lectured aboard Cunard’s
Q.E.II, Holland America Line and presented a “Naughty Nineties” A&C lecture
aboard the Mississippi Queen.
Chris resides in Burbank, CA. and remains
active in promoting the legacy of Abbott & Costello. Along with her sister Paddy
(Carole passed away in 1987) and the Abbott heirs, “It’s keeping the laughter
and memory alive of two men we adored…our dads!” |
