The Three Stooges were an American vaudeville and comedy act of the early to mid–20th century best known for their numerous short subject films. They were commonly known by their first names: 'Larry, Moe & Curly', and 'Moe, Larry, & Shemp', among other lineups. The act originally featured Moe Howard (born Harry Moses Horwitz), brother Shemp Howard (born Schmool Samuel Horwitz), and longtime friend Larry Fine (born Louis Feinberg). Shemp was later replaced by brother Curly Howard (born Jerome Lester Horwitz) in 1932.
Curly suffered a debilitating stroke in 1946, Shemp rejoined the act. After Shemp's death in 1955, he was replaced by bald-headed comedian Joe Besser, after the use of stuntman Joe Palma to record several "Shemp" shorts after his death. Eventually Joe "Curly-Joe" DeRita (born Joseph Wardell) would replace him. After Larry suffered a serious stroke in 1970 he was unable to continue performing. Emil Sitka, a longtime actor in Stooge comedies, was contracted to replace Larry—but no film was ever made with him in the role, although publicity photographs exist of him with his hair combed similarly to Larry's posing with Moe and Curly-Joe (see below). However, Larry's paralyzing stroke in 1970 effectively marked the end of the act. He died in January 1975. Moe died of cancer a few months later.
The Stooges First 4 Shorts in 1934...
Woman Haters
Punch Drunks
Men in Black
Three Little Pigskins
Born:June 19, 1897 in Bensonhurst, New York Died:May 4, 1975 at the age of 77
Born:October 5, 1902 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Died:January 24, 1975 at the age of 72
Born:October 22, 1903 in Brooklyn, New York Died:January 18, 1952 at the age of 48
Curlys last short...
Half Wits Holiday
A professor bets another he can turn slobs into gentlemen and uses the Stooges as his control group. Remake of previous Stooges short "Hoi Polloi" (1935). During filming on May 6, 1946, Curly suffered a severe stroke that ended his career as a Stooge. Debut of the great Stooge supporting actor Emil Sitka. Classic pie scene. Later remade again with Joe Besser in "Pies and Guys" (1958).
Stooge Combinations....
Moe Howard, and Ted Healy 1922–1923
Moe Howard, Ted Healy, and Shemp Howard 1923
Moe Howard, Ted Healy, Larry Fine and Shemp Howard 1923–1932
Moe Howard, Ted Healy, Larry Fine, and Curly Howard 1932–1934
Moe Howard, Larry Fine, and Curly Howard 1934–1947
Moe Howard, Larry Fine, and Shemp Howard 1947–1956
Moe Howard, Larry Fine, and Joe Besser 1957–1959
Moe Howard, Larry Fine, and Curly Joe DeRita 1958–1975
