Guess the actors in the photo

[debodun]

May not be who you think. Hints - both males; deceased now; popular characters in early 1950s TV.
Don't cheat by using Google lens.

 

[tinytn]

Abbot and Costello??

 

[debodun]

Abbot and Costello?? View attachment 358116

No. Another hint - they were not known primarily as comedic actors.

 

[hollydolly]

Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis

 

[debodun]

Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis

No

 

[debodun]

Anyone else want to guess?

Another hint - they were mostly associated with a western TV series.

 

[Dustbunny]

Thinking about clowns as a disguise makes me think of Lone Ranger and Tonto. ?

 

[debodun]

You got it - Jay Silverheels (left) and Clayton Moore (right).