The Three Stooges History In a Nutshell

The four lineups of The Three Stooges: top row, left
to right, Moe, Larry and Curly,  and then Shemp,
Larry and Moe. Bottom row, left to right, Joe, Larry
and Moe, and Larry, Moe and Curly Joe DeRita.












The Three Stooges, the longest running comedy team in history, carved out a niche in the world of slapstick humor with their unique blend of physical comedy, zany antics, and memorable catchphrases. 

Their origins are deeply intertwined with the early days of American comedy, particularly the vaudeville circuit. Their formation is closely linked with the comedian Ted Healy, who played a crucial role in shaping their early careers.

In the early to mid 1920s, Healy, one of the highest paid vaudeville comedians known for his brash humor and energetic stage presence, enlisted performers in a new act who would later become famous as part of The Three Stooges.

Left, comedian Ted Healy, the creator of the
act that would become The Three Stooges.
Then, the act was called Ted Healy and His Stooges (and other names). The name was derived from the term "stooges," which was used to describe the comic sidekicks or “straight men” in the act who took a humorous beating from Healy. The original lineup of included Moe Howard, his brother Shemp, and Larry Fine. 

When Shemp left the act to pursue a solo career, he was replaced by his and Moe's younger brother, Curly Howard.

In 1934, Moe, Larry, and Curly decided to form a separate act and struck a deal to star in two reel comedies, also known as short subjects, with Columbia Pictures. Their short films, full of slapstick humor, eye-pokes, and comedic mayhem, became popular with audiences. It was this lineup of Stooges that became the most iconic. 

Curly's exuberant personality, distinctive voice, and physical comedy skills made him a standout. His  presence helped propel the team to greater popularity, especially during the late 1930s and early 1940s. 

However, Curly' tenure with the team was cut short due to health problems. In 1946, after suffering a debilitating stroke, Curly was forced to leave the act.

The most iconic Stooges lineup: Curly, Moe, Larry.
Following Curly's sudden departure, in 1947, Shemp returned to the act. Shemp also excelled in physical comedy. His style was more grounded compared to Curly's frenetic energy. His approach included a blend of slapstick and character-driven humor. His routines were often based on his more abrasive and irritable persona, which contrasted with Curly's more innocent and playful antics.

Unfortunately, tragedy once again struck the team for a second time when Shemp in died of a heart attack in 1955.

Following Shemp's death (and after the use of a fake Shemp, actor Joe Palma, in new footage in four shorts made in 1956), veteran comic Joe Besser joined the act as the third stooge. Besser's character was well known to vaudeville, Broadway, radio, movie and television audiences for his sissy-like persona characterized by exasperated reactions. He appeared with the team in their shorts from 1957-59 until the team's 24-year consecutive contract with Columbia ended, was not renewed and the shorts subjects department was disbanded, putting the team out of work for the first time in decades. 

The last hurrah: Larry, Curly Joe and Moe in
Kook's Tour (1970), an unsold TV pilot.
But, in 1958, Columbia decided to release the team's shorts to television. They were an instant hit with children and literally resurrected the team's career, putting them back into the limelight and into high demand. 

When Besser was unable to continue as the third stooge because his wife was ill and he did not want to leave her, the fourth and final third stooge was hired: burlesque comedian Joe DeRita, DeRita, who resembled Curly, agreed to shave his hair and was nicknamed Curly Joe.  His character was a bumbling, good-natured Stooge who often found himself in ridiculous situations. During this stage in their career, the Stooges humor was considerably toned down because their audience was now children.

DeRita, along with Moe and Larry, made feature films and a cartoon series, appeared on television shows, and made hundreds of personal appearances.

In 1970, the team was disbanded when Larry suffered a debilitating stroke that paralyzed the left side of his body. 

Curly died in 1952. Moe and Larry in 1975, Besser in 1988 and DeRita in 1993.

Today, the Stooges remain a beloved part of American pop culture. Their physical comedy, timeless slapstick routines, and memorable characters have ensured their place in the annals of comedy history. 

Despite the changes in their lineup, the core elements of their humor—exaggerated physicality, comedic timing, and the classic Stooge dynamic—have made their work enduringly popular with audiences of all ages.

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