Thursday, June 20, 2013

Diosa Costello obit

 Puerto Rican entertainer, performer, producer and club owner Diosa Costello

often referred to as "the Latin Bombshell"

She was not on the list.


Costello was born Juana de Dios Castrello y Cruz in Guayama, Puerto Rico on April 23, 1913, although 1917 is often incorrectly sourced.

After performing for some time at various venues in Spanish Harlem, she paired with Desi Arnaz at the La Conga club. Costello debuted on Broadway in Too Many Girls (1939), which was directed by George Abbott. Costello became the first Latina on the Broadway stage. Too Many Girls was chosen to be made into a film, however, Costello decided not to go with the film because she "never liked traveling much" and stayed in New York.

The Smithsonian filmed an interview with Costello in 2006. She died in her sleep on June 20, 2013, at the age of 100 in Hollywood, Florida.

She was married to Pupi Campo and Italian singer Don Casino.

 

Filmography

 

Year     Title            Role            Notes

1941    They Met in Argentina            Panchita         

1945    The Bullfighters            Conchita         

1953    Miss Sadie Thompson            Ameena Horn  (final film role)



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