Joseph Frank Keaton himself verified the origin of his nickname “Buster.” When Keaton was three years old, he fell down a flight of stairs. Unharmed, he was picked up and dusted off by Harry Houdini. Houdini told Keaton’s father Joe, also nearby, the fall was ‘a buster’. Savvy showman Joe Keaton liked the nickname, which has stuck for more than 100 years.FACT FOOD #46
Joseph Frank Keaton himself verified the origin of his nickname “Buster.” When Keaton was three years old, he fell down a flight of stairs. Unharmed, he was picked up and dusted off by Harry Houdini. Houdini told Keaton’s father Joe, also nearby, the fall was ‘a buster’. Savvy showman Joe Keaton liked the nickname, which has stuck for more than 100 years.