This is an AUTHENTIC HAND SIGNED ORIGINAL RARE Vintage 8"x 10" BW photo of American comedian, actor and straight man BUD ABBOTT. William Alexander "Bud" Abbott (October 2, 1897 – April 24, 1974) was an American comedian, actor and straight man half of the comedy duo Abbott and Costello. Groucho Marx declared Abbott "the greatest straight man ever." Abbott crossed paths with Lou Costello in the early 1930s when Abbott was producing and performing in Minsky's Burlesque shows and Costello was a rising comic. They first worked together in stock burlesque in 1935 at the Eltinge Theatre on 42nd Street, after an illness sidelined Costello's regular partner.[1] They formally teamed up in 1936, and performed together in burlesque, vaudeville, minstrel shows, and stage shows. In 1938, they received national exposure as regulars on the Kate Smith Hour radio show, which led to roles in a Broadway musical, The Streets of Paris in 1939. In 1940, Universal signed the team for their first film, One Night in the Tropics. Despite having minor roles, Abbott and Costello stole the film with several classic routines, including an abbreviated version of "Who's On First?" Universal signed the team to a two-picture deal, and the first film, Buck Privates (1941), became a major hit and led to a long-term contract with the studio. It was directed by Arthur Lubin who later said "I don't think there has ever been a finer straight man in the business than Bud Abbott. Lou would go off the script - because he was that clever with lines - and Bud would bring him right back." During World War II, Abbott and Costello were among the most popular and highest-paid stars in the world. Between 1940 and 1956 they made 36 films and earned a percentage of the profits on each. They were among the Top 10 box office stars from 1941 through 1951, and placed No. 1 in 1942. They also had their own radio program (The Abbott and Costello Show) throughout the 1940s, first on NBC from 1942 to 1947, and from 1947 to 1949 on ABC. During a 35-day tour in the summer of 1942, the team sold $85 million worth of War Bonds. In the 1950s, they introduced their comedy to live television on The Colgate Comedy Hour, and launched their own half-hour filmed series, The Abbott and Costello Show. This is an awesome autographed piece of entertainment memorabilia and will look great framed. This signed photo comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. All of the autographed items I have listed are from my personal collection. They were either obtained by me personally from the celebrity(s) or through a reputable dealer. If not satisfied with this item you may return it within 10 days. This photo is boldly signed and is in Xlt. condition. Any of the (LOGOS ON PICTURES ARE NOT ON ACTUAL PHOTO). Any flaws you might see in the picture other than mentioned are from my camera, not the photo itself! All photos are sent in either top loaders and/or archival acid free backer boards and clear plastic sleeves. Shipping and handling is $8.00 U.S, $18.00 Canada, OVERSEAS- OUTSIDE OF CANADA PLEASE EMAIL FOR S/H QUOTE AS IT COULD BE MORE. Insurance is extra cost. Seller not responsible for uninsured items. WE WILL COMBINE ORDERS TO SAVE YOU COSTS FOR S/H. We do our very best to ship items within 24 hours of payment being received. Email us if you have any questions regarding this item. 12-2-16 POP BK# 437-163 CHECK OUT OUR MANY OTHER GREAT ITEMS LISTED!