Ward Costello

Ward Costello, born Edward Costello on July 5, 1919, in Boston, Massachusetts, was an American actor, composer, and lyricist whose career spanned stage, television, and film. He died on June 4, 2009, at the age of 89, from complications of a stroke, and was survived by his wife, Gerarda; three sons; a daughter; two brothers; and a sister.

Before entering the entertainment industry, Costello led an unusually varied early life. He left Boston as a young man to work at sea, then spent time as an itinerant laborer on farms and ranches before eventually settling into journalism as a newspaper reporter in New York. During the Second World War, he served in both the British Royal Air Force and the U.S. Army Signal Corps, earning the Silver Star and three Distinguished Flying Crosses. Following his military service, he returned to New York and worked as a foreign-news editor for CBS.

Costello's Broadway career ran from 1953 to 1966 and included appearances in The Lark, The Prescott Proposals, and The Investigation. Beyond the stage, he composed and wrote the lyrics for the theme to The Gallant Hours. His television work included appearances on Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Little House on the Prairie, and Star Trek: The Next Generation. He retired from acting in 1989.

Costello was married to actress Loraine Grover, with whom he had a daughter, Erin.