Eldon Lawrence Costello (September 5, 1901 – October 25, 1945) was an American actor of stage, screen and radio.

Eldon Lawrence Costello was born on September 5, 1901, in New Orleans,[1][2] where Jesuit Fathers educated him.

Known for his wicked sense of humor, Costello oftentimes played the role of a menace or a tough guy.

He appeared in 37 movies (31 times credited), including Another Thin Man (1939), Johnny Eager (1941) and The Blue Dahlia (1946).

[citation needed] Costello died of an overdose of sleeping tablets on October 25, 1945, at the age of 44.