49 Three Stooges Facts: An American Comedy Trio, Must Read

The Three Stooges are undoubtedly the most well-known and influential comic team in the history of Hollywood.

Moe Howard, Larry Fine, and Curly Howard brought us some of the most memorable moments in movie history. Their slapstick humor was beloved by fans around the world, and their films continue to be popular today.

In 1922, the Three Stooges debuted as a vaudeville comic act. They toured and went through some lineup changes throughout the years, finally transitioning to short films with a Columbia Pictures deal.

You'll love these facts about some of the funniest men to ever perform, whether you're a lifelong fan or a beginner to this funny trio's work.

History

For generations, a series of shorts were filmed by the previous vaudeville in which they used the pies, pain, and misunderstandings to create their distinct brand of physical comedy.

The Three Stooges are a comedy group from the United States.

It was founded in 1923 as a vaudeville act by Shemp Howard and Moe, who used to act with 'Ted Healy and His Stooges.'

Larry Fine who starred in Broadway revues was introduced to the show in 1928.

Jerome (Curly) suffered an accident while cleaning a gun at a young age. He unintentionally shot himself in the left ankle. This is how he developed his signature walk. It wasn't a ruse!

At Larry's father's jewelry shop, he lost his brother, and his arm was destroyed in the accident.

After nearly two years, the Stooges and Ted Healy were seen in 'Soup to Nuts.' They also went on their tour without Ted Healy. Shemp Howard quit the group in 1932

Jerry 'Curly' Howard, brother of Shemp Howard, replaced him.

Healy and corporation also featured in a variety of MGM cinema, including 'Meet the Baron' (1933), 'Dancing Lady' (1933), 'Hollywood Party' (1934), and 'Fugitive Lovers' (1934).

The Stooges teamed up with Lucille Ball, a new Columbia contractual player, for a short film called 'Three Little Pigskins' in 1934.

The Stooges immediately established their iconic personas: Moe portrayed as the quick-tempered leader who regularly physically abused his companions, Curly Joe as a juvenile bumbling idiot, and Larry Fine as the 'middle man. Stooge.'

Shemp thought Larry was cheating when the whole group was playing cards together. Shemp then stood up and poked both his eyes in a Three Stooges-style attack.

Moe was the astute observer who noted down the eye-poking incident for future reference in the show.

In January 1940, the Three Stooges aired the show 'You Nazty Spy!'

The Führer considered the short to be a grave affront and added the Stooges to his death list as favored casualties.

After having many strokes, Jerry 'Curly' Howard passed away at a young age on January 18, 1952.

The Larry, Shemp, and Moe trio acted as Curly, Larry, and Moe for a few years.

After Shemp died from a heart stroke, Moe and Larry finished the remaining four Three Stooges shorts on their Columbia yearly contract.

After he passed away in 1955, eight Shemp films were aired.

In 1956, Larry Fine and Moe enlisted Joe Besser, who was a comic actor by profession, after briefly considering a run as the Two Stooges.

But, unlike his forefathers, Joe Besser wasn't quite as keen on physical comedy.

While the theater market for comic shorts had dried up, the Three Stooges' fame skyrocketed when their shorts started broadcasting on television in 1958.

Moe and Larry were introduced to a whole new generation of fans.

After the departure of Joe Besser in 1959, Joe DeRita was enlisted by the group for live concerts and many feature films, notably 'Snow White And The Three Stooges' in 1961.

Joe DeRita changed her name to 'Curly Joe'.

Instead of attempting a behind-the-scenes biography of the Stooges' careers, filmmakers Bobby and Peter Farrelly spent years trying to mount a big-budget sequel of the Stooges that would replicate their humor.

When Larry suffered a heart stroke and was no longer able to perform, Moe and Curly Joe contemplated replacing him with longtime Stooge supporting actor Emil Sitka, but they never enacted.

In 1975, Larry Fine and Moe Howard passed away.

The Stooges are still tremendously popular after Larry and Moe's deaths, and their short films continue to air on TV and media channels.

In 2009, when Jim Carrey agreed to portray Curly, Sean Hayes agreed to play Larry Fine, and for Moe, Benicio del Toro got the role, and finally, the two got close to collaborating.

Audience Reception

They have a reputation for being juvenile and foolish, but the Stooges are great artists and performers, as is evident by the fact that they came close to winning an Academy Award.

Men in Black (1934) received an Oscar nomination in the Comedy category for Best Short Picture.

The Three Stooges' influence was apparent, and they were finally inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1983.

Unfortunately, their place among Hollywood legends came when none of the original members were still living to witness it. It just goes to demonstrate that artists' work lives on for generations after they pass away.

What appeals to critics may not always appeal to the general public, and this is especially true in the case of humor.

Some critics praised the Stooges for their hilarious brilliance, and the Academy Awards even recognized them, but critics did not respond to the Stooges as enthusiastically as the general people did.

Despite their lack of critical appreciation at the time, they had the final laugh. They are among the greatest comedians of all time, and no one ever doubts their greatness.

The Three Stooges, who initially gained popularity nearly a century ago, are still making people laugh.

Cultural Aspects

The Three Stooges are a classic example of how cultural aspects can influence comedy. Their slapstick humor is based on physicality and the absurd, which are staples of American culture.

The Three Stooges are an iconic American comedy trio whose work is still enjoyed by audiences today.

Their slapstick humor was beloved by people of all ages, and their films are still considered some of the funniest ever made.

What many people don't know, however, is that their humor was based in part on their Jewish heritage.

The Stooges often poked fun at Jewish stereotypes and used Yiddish words and phrases in their sketches. While they were not the only comedians to do this, they were one of the most successful groups in terms of reaching a mainstream audience.

Their unique brand of humor has been credited with helping to break down barriers between different cultures and religions.

They were also very successful in vaudeville and on Broadway.

They toured extensively throughout the United States and Canada, and even performed in front of royalty!

Did you know that the Three Stooges were a huge hit in China? They were so popular that there is an entire movie theater in Beijing dedicated to showing nothing but Three Stooges movies!

The significant contributions that The Stooges made to pop culture have long needed to be documented.

In 2004, the Stoogeum in Ambler, Pennsylvania, approximately 25 mi (40 km) outside of Philadelphia, officially opened.

Gary Lassin, the museum's founder, married Larry Fine's first niece in the year 1981.

Gary Lassin, a Stooges fan, accumulated more than 100,000 items linked to their professions and displays approximately 3,500 pieces in one time.

There seems to be a Shemp Hall, a game area, and a lot of antiques.

FAQs

Did the Three Stooges wear wigs?

Yes. Moe, Larry, Curly, and Joe wore wigs to cover their baldness so they could look like normal men. It was funnier that way!

Who was the richest Stooge?

Moe was the first Stooge and had the most money on him at the time of his death. He bought nice cars and houses.

How many shorts did the Three Stooges make?

The audience witnessed 190 shorts by The Three Stooges. They also aired several feature films produced by Columbia production house.

How did Curly from the Three Stooges die?

It was heartbreaking for the Three Stooges fans when Curly Howard died at a young age of an unfortunate death due to a heart attack.

How many Three Stooges episodes are there?

There are a total of 190 episodes released of the Three Stooges.

When did the Three Stooges die?

Joe Besser passed away in March 1988. Curly passed away in 1952 due to a stroke. Another tragedy happened when three years later, Shemp Howard died of a heart attack.