The Enduring Legacy of The Three Stooges: Behind the Nyuks and NudniksThe Three Stooges, iconic figures in comedy history, were led by Moe Howard, who, despite his on-screen persona as the "brains" often making a fool of himself, was a shrewd businessman in real life, particularly in real estate. The Howard brothers, Moe, Curly, and Shemp, originally bore the surname Horwitz.
Their comedic journey began in vaudeville alongside Ted Healy, with Moe and Shemp as the initial "Stooges." When Shemp departed for other acting opportunities, Jerome Howard, famously known as Curly, joined the group. Surprisingly, Curly initially had a full head of hair but famously shaved it, creating his distinctive and memorable bald look that, combined with his wild antics, became a cornerstone of their enduring appeal and humor.Larry Fine completed the classic trio, a fact many might not know is that he was an accomplished violinist.
This musical talent subtly found its way into their acts, particularly his "Russian type dance," which he would amusingly incorporate whenever one of the other Stooges sustained a comical injury. This unique physical humor added another layer to their already uproarious shorts, often eliciting peals of laughter from audiences. After parting ways with Ted Healy, The Stooges embarked on a prolific career filming numerous shorts for Columbia Pictures. It's noteworthy that the patriotic imagery in some Columbia intros from that era reflected the strong national sentiment during World War II, a time when Moe and his Stooges dedicated long, arduous hours to their craft, though regrettably, they were often financially exploited for their work.Tragedy unfortunately became a recurring theme for the Howard brothers.
Curly's career was cut short by a debilitating stroke, necessitating a replacement. Shemp Howard returned to fill the void, bringing his own brand of humor and a unique, sometimes wild, style to the group. His scenes, often involving a mix of dancing and fighting that would result in him comically getting knocked out, showcased his distinct comedic flair. While their brand of slapstick was undoubtedly violent, even by today's standards, its undeniable humor captivated audiences. However, in 1955, tragedy struck again when Shemp Howard unexpectedly died of a heart attack after a boxing match, forcing Moe and Larry to quickly find another replacement.This led to the inclusion of Joe Besser, who, while acknowledged by many as not reaching the comedic heights of Curly or Shemp, nonetheless contributed his own memorable moments. His signature "sissy act," often accompanied by his protest, "Don't do that, that hurts!" when slapped by Moe, provided its own brand of amusement.
As the 1950s drew to a close, The Stooges ceased filming their shorts and, for a period, seemed to fade from the public eye. However, their story didn't end there.In the 1960s, The Three Stooges experienced a significant resurgence, transitioning from shorts to feature films. This new chapter finally brought them the financial recognition they deserved, with Joe DeRita joining as the third Stooge.
They starred in a series of "kid-friendly" movies, featuring encounters with diverse characters from Snow White to Hercules and even venturing into outer space, with a noticeable toning down of their characteristic violence. Their popularity surged further as their classic shorts found a new audience through television syndication. Though all the original members have since passed, their legacy unequivocally lives on, cherished by numerous fan clubs worldwide, and their timeless comedy continues to be enjoyed on platforms like YouTube and television, cementing their status as kings of comedy.
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