Don Costello was an American actor best known for his roles in Johnny Eager, Another Thin Man, and The Blue Dahlia. Born Eldon Lawrence Costello on September 5, 1901, in New Orleans, Louisiana, he gained recognition as a Broadway stage actor before transitioning to film in 1935, later joining MGM in 1939.
Personal and Family Life
Don Costello was married to Louise Maresch from May 29, 1936, until his passing on October 25, 1945. Details about his early life and family background remain limited, but his journey from stage to screen highlights his passion for performance.
Career
A talented actor, Costello was known for his sharp sense of humor and often played tough or menacing characters. He appeared in numerous films throughout the 1940s, building a notable filmography that showcased his diverse acting skills.
Death and Legacy
Don Costello passed away on October 24, 1945, in Hollywood, California. His contributions to film and theater continue to be remembered, and he left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry during his short but impactful career.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Johnny Eager | 1941-12-09 | Billiken |
| Another Thin Man | 1939-11-17 | “Diamond Back” Vogel |
| Air Raid Wardens | 1943-04-04 | Heydrich |
| A-Haunting We Will Go | 1942-08-07 | Doc Lake |
| The Blue Dahlia | 1946-04-16 | Leo |
| The Red Dragon | 1945-08-01 | Charles Masack |
| Here Comes Mr. Jordan | 1941-08-07 | Lefty |
| Texas Masquerade | 1944-02-08 | Ace Maxson |
| Mystery Man | 1944-05-31 | Bud Trilling |
| Along Came Jones | 1945-07-19 | Leo Gledhill |
| Whistling in the Dark | 1941-08-08 | ‘Noose’ Green |
| Crime Doctor | 1943-06-22 | Nick Ferris / Jim Warren |
| A Night to Remember | 1942-12-10 | Eddie Turner |
| Unholy Partners | 1941-11-01 | Georgie Pelotti |
| Truck Busters | 1943-01-28 | Anthony ‘Tony’ Bonetti |
| Sleepers West | 1941-03-14 | Carl Izzard |
| Just Off Broadway | 1942-08-28 | George Dolphin |
| Murder on the Waterfront | 1943-09-18 | Gordon Shane |
| Wildcat Bus | 1940-08-23 | Sid Casey |
| Ride on Vaquero | 1941-04-18 | Redge |
| I’ll Wait for You | 1941-05-16 | Police Sergeant Brent |
| Hot News Margie | 1931-11-27 | Football Player (uncredited) |
| Joe Smith, American | 1942-02-01 | Mead |
| The Whistler | 1944-03-30 | Lefty Vigran aka Gorss (Uncredited) |
| Great Stagecoach Robbery | 1945-02-15 | Jed Quinlan |
| Marshal of Laredo | 1945-10-06 | Henchman Pretty Boy Murphy |
| Sundown Jim | 1942-03-27 | Dobe Hyde |
| A Lady Takes a Chance | 1943-08-19 | Drunk |
| Incendiary Blonde | 1945-07-25 | Gus Vettori (uncredited) |
| One Crowded Night | 1940-08-09 | Lefty |
| Follow That Woman | 1945-12-14 | Nick |
| Joe and Ethel Turp Call on the President | 1939-12-01 | Fred |
| Here Come the Co-eds | 1945-02-02 | Diamond (uncredited) |
| Last of the Duanes | 1941-09-26 | Jim Bland |
| Crime of the Century | 1946-02-28 | Joe, Bartender |