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| At a young age, Joan demonstrates a definite Stooge influence! |
My life was greatly enriched by knowing Joan Howard Maurer.
To fans, she was known as the daughter of mopped-headed Moe Howard, the boss onscreen and offscreen of the iconic comedy team, The Three Stooges, as well as the niece of third stooges, Curly Howard and Shemp Howard.
To me, she was a warm, kind, gracious, generous, loving and trusting woman with a heart of gold and a wonderful sense of humor. Like her father, she was always approachable and responsive to Three Stooges fans wherever and whenever she met them.
Following her father’s death in 1975, Joan, born on April 2, 1927, in Los Angeles, California, dedicated herself to preserving her father’s and the Three Stooges' legacies. First, she worked tirelessly to complete her father's memoirs from his handwritten notes, which was published posthumously in 1977 as Moe Howard and the Three Stooges.
Five years later, she co-authored, with me and my twin brother Jeff, who were Moe's friends and longtime Stooges fans, The Three Stooges Scrapbook, the definitive Stooges book and companion to her father’s autobiography.
For me, working side-by-side with Joan, and my friendship with her, are unforgettable memories which I will always cherish.
Joan's commitment to honoring her father’s memory extended beyond writing Three Stooges books. She played a vital role in the ongoing celebration of the Stooges’ work, participating in Stooges events and festivals that showcased the team’s films. Her passion for the Stooges was evident in her meticulous efforts to keep their spirits alive, not just as a family member but as a steward of their artistic legacy.
For her, one of the ultimate and unforgettable moments was helping to unveil the Three Stooges long awaited Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 1983. The star, which she lent her strong support for and assisted in the nationwide campaign that led to it, was something her father long wanted. Finally, it was recognition that long eluded the Stooges.
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| The way I remember Joan: her sparkling smile. |
Joan was also a humanitarian.
In the 1980s, she led a campaign to raise funds for a cancer center dedicated to her father at the City of Hope National Medical Center. To raise funds, in return for donations, each person who gave $10 or more received a canceled check signed by her father. The idea for the campaign came to Joan after she discovered 4,000 (!) canceled checks signed by father. For her, the campaign was a way of making a difference and honoring both of her parents her died from cancer.
Joan's achievements didn't stop there. In the 2000s, three of her Three Stooges books were republished by Chicago Review Press, the first of which I had the great honor of working with her again. That was an updated and expanded edition of Scrapbook, published in 2012, appropriately called The Three Stooges Scrapbook -Updated Edition.
One year later Joan successfully republished her father’s autobiography which would have made him proud. That’s because the title was changed to the name Moe wanted when it was first published. It was renamed I Stooged to Conquer: The Autobiography of the Leader of the Three Stooges. In addition to this book, Joan was also successful in having Curly: An Illustrated Biography of the Superstooge put back in print for new generations to enjoy.
Blessed with a long life, Joan didn’t let age stop her. In 2021, she completed with my brother Jeff her long awaited memoir, Growing Up Stooge, to be published in 2024 by Bear Manor Media. It was her final book.
Sadly, at the age of 94, Joan died on September 21, 2021. She will long be remembered not only as as Moe’s daughter but as a guardian of the Three Stooges legacy. Her dedication to celebrating their humor, resilience, and camaraderie has left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans worldwide. Her contributions to preserving the laughter of the Stooges will ensure that their legacy continues to shine brightly forever.
Like the Stooges, for me, she will never be forgotten.