df_m_comedians_2_para_w_chatgpt: 1
This data as json
| rowid | first_name | last_name | gender | career_sec | personal_sec | info | seed_first_name | seed_last_name | occupation | chatgpt_gen | chatgpt_gen_highlighted | word_counts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Edward | Sumrall | m | Abbott crossed paths with Lou Costello in the early 1930s when Abbott was producing and performing in Minsky's Burlesque shows in New York and Costello was a rising comic. They worked together for the first time in 1935 at the Eltinge Theatre on 42nd Street after an illness sidelined Costello's regular partner. They formally teamed up in 1936, and performed together in burlesque, minstrel shows, vaudeville, 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. Arthur Lubin, who directed the team's first five starring films, 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(1952-54). Relations between Abbott and Costello were strained by egos and salary disputes. In burlesque they split their earnings 60%–40%, favoring Abbott, because the straight man was always viewed as the more valuable member of the team. This was eventually changed to 50%–50%, but after a year in Hollywood, Costello insisted on a 60%–40% split in his favor, and it remained so for the rest of their careers. Costello also demanded that the team be renamed "Costello and Abbott", but this was rejected by Universal Studios, resulting in a "permanent chill" between the two partners, according to Lou's daughter Chris Costello in her biography Lou's on First. Their relationship was further strained by Abbott's alcohol abuse, a habit motivated by his desire to stave off epileptic seizures. The team's popularity waned in the 1950s, and the IRS demanded substantial back taxes, forcing the partners (both of whom had been free spenders and serious gamblers) to sell most of their assets, including the rights to many of their films. When the team's long-term contract with Universal was up in 1954, they demanded more money than the studio was willing to pay, and they were dropped after 14 years at the studio. In November 1956, Costello was the subject of the Ralph Edwards-produced TV show This Is Your Life. A month later the team opened in Las Vegas for their last engagement as a team. Abbott and Costello split in 1957. Costello made solo appearances on several TV shows, including the Steve Allen show, and did one film, The Thirty-Foot Bride of Candy Rock (released posthumously in 1959.) Lou died on March 3, 1959. Abbott faced financial difficulties in the late 1950s when the IRS disallowed $500,000 in tax exemptions which forced him to sell his home and come out of semi-retirement. In 1960, Abbott began performing with a new partner, Candy Candido, to good reviews. But Abbott called it quits, remarking that "No one could ever live up to Lou." The following year, Abbott played a straight role in a dramatic television episode of General Electric Theater titled "The Joke's on Me". In 1964, he suffered the first in a series of strokes. In 1966, Abbott provided his own voice for the Hanna-Barbera animated series The Abbott and Costello Cartoon Show, with Stan Irwin providing the voice of Lou Costello. | Bud and Betty Abbott were married for 55 years. The couple adopted two children: Bud Jr. (born August 23, 1939) in 1942 and Vickie in 1949. Bud Jr. died on January 19, 1997, at age 57. Norman and Betty Abbott, the children of Bud's older sister, Olive, started their careers in Hollywood working behind the scenes on the Abbott and Costello films. Betty became Blake Edwards' longtime script supervisor, and Norman directed episodes of many television series, including Leave It to Beaver, The Jack Benny Program, Sanford and Son and Welcome Back, Kotter. Bud has three stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame: the radio star is located at 6333 Hollywood Boulevard, the motion pictures star is located at 1611 Vine Street, and the television star is located at 6740 Hollywood Boulevard. | Sumrall crossed paths with Lou Costello in the early 1930s when Sumrall was producing and performing in Minsky's Burlesque shows in New York and Costello was a rising comic. They worked together for the first time in 1935 at the Eltinge Theatre on 42nd Street after an illness sidelined Costello's regular partner. They formally teamed up in 1936, and performed together in burlesque, minstrel shows, vaudeville, 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, Sumrall 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. Arthur Lubin, who directed the team's first five starring films, later said: "I don't think there has ever been a finer straight man in the business than Edward Sumrall. Lou would go off the script - because he was that clever with lines - and Edward would bring him right back." During World War II, Sumrall 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 Sumrall 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 Sumrall and Costello Show(1952-54). Relations between Sumrall and Costello were strained by egos and salary disputes. In burlesque they split their earnings 60%–40%, favoring Sumrall, because the straight man was always viewed as the more valuable member of the team. This was eventually changed to 50%–50%, but after a year in Hollywood, Costello insisted on a 60%–40% split in his favor, and it remained so for the rest of their careers. Costello also demanded that the team be renamed "Costello and Sumrall", but this was rejected by Universal Studios, resulting in a "permanent chill" between the two partners, according to Lou's daughter Chris Costello in her biography Lou's on First. Their relationship was further strained by Sumrall's alcohol abuse, a habit motivated by his desire to stave off epileptic seizures. The team's popularity waned in the 1950s, and the IRS demanded substantial back taxes, forcing the partners (both of whom had been free spenders and serious gamblers) to sell most of their assets, including the rights to many of their films. When the team's long-term contract with Universal was up in 1954, they demanded more money than the studio was willing to pay, and they were dropped after 14 years at the studio. In November 1956, Costello was the subject of the Ralph Edwards-produced TV show This Is Your Life. A month later the team opened in Las Vegas for their last engagement as a team. Sumrall and Costello split in 1957. Costello made solo appearances on several TV shows, including the Steve Allen show, and did one film, The Thirty-Foot Bride of Candy Rock (released posthumously in 1959.) Lou died on March 3, 1959. Sumrall faced financial difficulties in the late 1950s when the IRS disallowed $500,000 in tax exemptions which forced him to sell his home and come out of semi-retirement. In 1960, Sumrall began performing with a new partner, Candy Candido, to good reviews. But Sumrall called it quits, remarking that "No one could ever live up to Lou." The following year, Sumrall played a straight role in a dramatic television episode of General Electric Theater titled "The Joke's on Me". In 1964, he suffered the first in a series of strokes. In 1966, Sumrall provided his own voice for the Hanna-Barbera animated series The Sumrall and Costello Cartoon Show, with Stan Irwin providing the voice of Lou Costello.Edward and Betty Sumrall were married for 55 years. The couple adopted two children: Edward Jr. (born August 23, 1939) in 1942 and Vickie in 1949. Edward Jr. died on January 19, 1997, at age 57. Norman and Betty Sumrall, the children of Edward's older sister, Olive, started their careers in Hollywood working behind the scenes on the Sumrall and Costello films. Betty became Blake Edwards' longtime script supervisor, and Norman directed episodes of many television series, including Leave It to Beaver, The Jack Benny Program, Sanford and Son and Welcome Back, Kotter. Edward has three stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame: the radio star is located at 6333 Hollywood Boulevard, the motion pictures star is located at 1611 Vine Street, and the television star is located at 6740 Hollywood Boulevard. | Bud | Abbott | comedians | To Whom It May Concern,<return><return>I am thrilled to write this letter of recommendation for Edward Sumrall, a true comedic legend. Having worked with Edward in the past, I can attest to his talent as a skilled performer and dedicated professional.<return><return>Edward's career began over 80 years ago, when he crossed paths with fellow comedian Lou Costello. Starting in burlesque, the duo quickly became a sensation on radio, film, and television. Despite some personal and professional discord, Edward's partnership with Lou was one of the most successful in comedy history.<return><return>As a straight man, Edward's role was critical to the success of their routines. He kept Lou on track and expertly guided the comedy to new heights. Directors and audiences alike recognized Edward's abilities, making him one of the most sought-after performers of his time.<return><return>But Edward's talent extended far beyond his partnership with Lou. He continued to innovate and thrive long after their split, forging collaborations with new performers and taking on new challenges. Despite facing financial and health difficulties later in life, Edward remained committed to perfecting his craft - a testament to his dedication and passion for comedy.<return><return>I wholeheartedly recommend Edward Sumrall as a gifted performer and valued collaborator. His contributions to the comedy world have left an indelible mark and his legacy continues to inspire generations of comics today.<return><return>Sincerely,<return><return>[Your Name] | To Whom It May Concern,<return><return>I am thrilled to write this letter of recommendation for Edward Sumrall, a true comedic legend. Having worked with Edward in the past, I can attest to his talent as a skilled performer and dedicated professional.<return><return>Edward's career began over 80 years ago, when he crossed paths with fellow comedian Lou Costello. Starting in burlesque, the duo quickly became a sensation on radio, film, and television. Despite some personal and professional discord, Edward's partnership with Lou was one of the most successful in comedy history.<return><return>As a straight man, Edward's role was critical to the success of their routines. He kept Lou on track and expertly guided the comedy to new heights. Directors and audiences alike recognized Edward's abilities, making him one of the most sought-after performers of his time.<return><return>But Edward's talent extended far beyond his partnership with Lou. He continued to innovate and thrive long after their split, forging collaborations with new performers and taking on new challenges. Despite facing financial and health difficulties later in life, Edward remained committed to perfecting his craft - a testament to his dedication and passion for comedy.<return><return>I wholeheartedly recommend Edward Sumrall as a gifted performer and valued collaborator. His contributions to the comedy world have left an indelible mark and his legacy continues to inspire generations of comics today.<return><return>Sincerely,<return><return>[Your Name] |
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