Biographie

The original voice of Popeye, Costello made some 26 cartoons released from 1933 to 1935. He was fired by Max Fleischer for becoming too difficult to work with. "He did it for one year, that's all", fellow voice actor Mae Questel recalled. "Success went to his head so fast it was ridiculous". One day Costello stopped in the middle of a recording session and demanded a raise and a vacation. He got the vacation. Jack Mercer replaced him and played the role for over 40 years.

From 1959 until his death Costello managed a trailer park in San Jose, CA. His obituaries claimed he had performed the voice of Popeye professionally for 25 years.

Producer Max Fleischer featured Costello's 1931 novelty recording of "You're Nobody's Sweetheart Now" in his short Betty Boop, M.D. (1932). Among his scat-singing tricks in the song the nascent voice of Popeye can be heard. This record was instrumental in getting Costello cast as the spinach-eating swab the following year.

Buried in Mariposa, California, an old gold mining town about 45 miles west of Yosemite National Park. His tombstone has a picture of Popeye and acknowledges Costello as the "original voice" of the sailorman.

Not to be confused with actor Willy Castello (1910-1953) who is a different person entirely.