Diosa Costello

Juana de Dios Castrello, better known as Diosa Costello (April 23, 1913 June 20, 2013), was a Puerto Rican- American entertainer, performer, producer and club owner,[1] often referred to as "the Latin Bombshell".[2]

Diosa Costello
Costello in 1943
Born
Juana de Dios Castrello

(1913-04-23)April 23, 1913
DiedJune 20, 2013(2013-06-20) (aged 100)
OccupationEntertainer, performer, producer, and club owner
Years active1939-1953
Spouse(s)
Don Casino
(m. 1958; div. 1971)

(m. 1941; div. 1951)

Early life

Costello was born Juana de Dios Castrello y Cruz in Guayama, Puerto Rico on April 23, 1913,[3] although 1917 is often incorrectly sourced.[4]

Career

After performing for some time at various venues in Spanish Harlem, she paired with Desi Arnaz at the La Conga club. Her Broadway debut was Too Many Girls (1939), where she became the first Latina[5] on the Broadway stage. She decided not to go with the film, however, being reluctant to move to Hollywood.[1]

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.[6]

Personal

She was married to Pupi Campo and Italian singer Don Casino.[1]

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes
1941They Met in ArgentinaPanchita
1945The BullfightersConchita
1953Miss Sadie ThompsonAmeena Horn(final film role)

References


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