Joe Kirk
| Joe Kirk | |
|---|---|
| Born |
Ignazio Curcuruto October 1, 1903 New York, New York, U.S. |
| Died | April 16, 1975 (aged 71) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Resting place | Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Hollywood Hills) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | actor |
| Years active | 1941-1958 |
| Known for | Mr. Bacciagalupe |
| Notable work | The Abbott and Costello Show |
Joe Kirk (October 1, 1903 – April 16, 1975) was an American radio, film, and television actor who was best known for playing the role of Mr. Bacciagalupe on The Abbott and Costello Show. Kirk was married to Lou Costello's sister Marie in real life, and had 2 children with her.
Kirk was born Ignazio Curcuruto (simply known by his pet name Nat Curcuruto to his family) in New York City, one of four children—Letitia, Philip (1902–95), Nat (1903–75) and Josephine—of Sicilian-American immigrants Giuseppe "Joe" Curcuruto and Elvira Puglisi Curcuruto (1882–1977).
He got his professional start in vaudeville, where he worked as a master of ceremonies and a comedian during the 1930s.
Kirk was a regular voice actor on Abbott and Costello's radio show during World War II and the postwar era of the 1940s. In addition to his ongoing—and best-known—role as Mr. Bacciagalupe, the highly excitable Italian neighbor, Kirk played many other bit parts on the show as well.
As Mr. Bacciagalupe, Kirk spoke with a thick Sicilian-American accent; his surname as well was pronounced in the Sicilian manner (BAH-chə-gah-LOOP) and not in proper Italian (BAH-chah-gah-LOOP-e). When excited, Mr. Bacciagalupe frequently made improvised asides in the Italian language, which were obviously appreciated by many in the audience. Lou Costello, who was Italian-American himself, also understood these side remarks, and sometimes could not stay in character but laughed along as well.
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