Radio Career
Kirk was a regular voice actor on Abbott and Costello's radio show during the World War II and post-war 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-chÉ™-gah-LOOP) and not in proper Italian (BAH-chah-gah-LOOP-e). When excited, Mr. Bacciagalupe frequently made improvised asides in Sicilian dialect, 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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