Portrait of Elvis Costello

Elvis Costello

Acting

Biography

Referencing prodigies of rock lyricism may not bring Elvis Costello to mind for some, but he does deserve consideration. Through the course of over four decades, the former computer programmer has maintained a career as a singer-songwriter, giving the likes of Bob Dylan himself a reckoning. He was born Declan MacManus in London, England, on August 25, 1954. He took the moniker Elvis Costello in 1977, adopting his first name from Elvis Presley and the last part from the maiden name of his mother. Also in '77, Costello's debut album My Aim Is True was released, drawing connections to the new wave and punk movement while showing musical variance. That year, Costello's band The Attractions was assembled. The group released a number of albums, including This Year's Model, Armed Forces, and Trust. 1986's Blood and Chocolate produced memorable, literate gems, such as "Tokyo Storm Warning" and "I Want You." After the Attractions' final show in 1996, caused by conflict between Costello and the band's bassist Bruce Thomas, two of the group's other members would become part of his new backing band, The Imposters. Costello has released over 30 albums.

Born: August 25, 1954

Place of Birth: Paddington, London, England, UK

Filmography

2023
Sounds of Liverpool at the BBC

as Self (archive footage)

2021
This Is Pop

as Self (archive footage)

2020
2017
Pete the Cat

as Pete's Dad (voice)

2014
2010
2010
Treme

as Self

2008
2007
Delirious

as Elvis Costello

2007
2006
Legends

as Self

2006
Before the Music Dies

as Self - Musician

2006
30 Rock

as Elvis Costello

2006
2006
Elvis Costello & Friends

as Self (archive footage)

2004
Live Aid

as Self

2004
De-Lovely

as Musical Performer - "Let's Misbehave"

2003
2003
Two and a Half Men

as Elvis Costello

2003
2002
2001
Prison Song

as Public Defender / Teacher

2000
Unleaded

as Elvis Costello

1999
1997
Spice World

as Elvis Costello

1997
1996
1996
3rd Rock from the Sun

as Elvis Costello

1995
Lo + plus

as Self

1994
Dusty

as Self - Interviewee

1994
1993
Frasier

as Ben

1993
Late Night with Conan O'Brien

as Self - Musical Guest

1993
1992
The Larry Sanders Show

as Elvis Costello

1992
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

as Self - Musical Guest

1989
The Simpsons

as Elvis Costello (voice)

1989
1988
Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black and White Night

as Self - Guitar/Electric Organ/Harmonica

1987
Straight to Hell

as Hives The Butler

1985
No Surrender

as Rosco De Ville

1985
Live Aid

as Self

1984
1984
Scully

as Henry Scully

1982
The Comic Strip Presents...

as Stone Deaf A & R Man

1982
1979
Americathon

as The Earl of Manchester

1975
Saturday Night Live

as Self - Musical Guest

1953
The Oscars

as Self