Eldon Lawrence Costello (September 5, 1901 – October 25, 1945) was an American actor of stage, screen and radio.
Background
Eldon Lawrence Costello was born on September 5, 1901, in New Orleans,[1][2] where Jesuit Fathers educated him. His initial plans to study law gave way to his interest in acting.[3]
Career
In the mid 1920s, Costello was stage manager for the Wright Players in Louisville, Kentucky.[4] Later in that decade, he acted with the Majestic Players in Elmira, New York.[5]
Costello entered films in 1935 and in 1939 was put under contract with MGM. Known for his wicked sense of humor, Costello oftentimes played the role of a menace or a tough guy. He is probably best known for his role as Lefty in the movie Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941). He appeared in 37 movies (31 times credited), including Another Thin Man (1939), Johnny Eager (1941) and The Blue Dahlia (1946).[citation needed]
Death
Costello died of an overdose of sleeping tablets on October 25, 1945, at the age of 44. His wife, Louise, found him dead in the bedroom of their home in Sherman Oaks. He had earlier complained of being unable to get to sleep.[6]
