Abbott, William Alexander

1895 - Born on the 2nd of October, in Asbury Park, New Jersey.

1918 - He married Betty Smith, a burlesque dancer and comedienne.

1924 - He started performing in an act with Betty.

        - He began working with veteran comedians like Harry Steppe and Harry Evanson.

1930 - He crossed paths with Lou Costello in burlesque.

       - He was producing and performing in Minsky's Burlesque shows,

1936 - They formally teamed up with Costello and performed together in burlesque, vaudeville, minstrel shows,

              and cinemas.

1938 - They received national exposure for the first time by performing on the Kate Smith Hour radio

           show.

1940 - Universal signed Abbott and Costello for their first film, "One Night in the Tropics".

         - Abbott and Costello were among the most popular and highest-paid stars in the world.

1950 - They brought their comedy to live television on the "Colgate Comedy Hour".

1957 - Abbott and Costello parted ways in July.

1959 - His partner, Lou Costello died on the 3rd of March.

1960 - He attempted to begin performing again,with a new partner, Candy Candido.

1961 - He performed in a dramatic episode of General Electric Theater titled "The Joke's On Me".

1942 - The couple adopted two children.

1974 - He suffered from epilepsy and died of cancer at the age of 78 on the 24th of April, in Woodland

               Hills,California.