The Three Stooges, one of the most iconic comedy trios in entertainment history, have
left an indelible mark on the world of slapstick humor.
Consisting of Moe Howard, Larry Fine, and Curly Howard (later replaced by Shemp Howard),
the Stooges captivated audiences with their zany antics, physical comedy, and timeless
catchphrases.
While their popularity and comedic brilliance are well-known, there are numerous intriguing
and lesser-known facts about these comedic geniuses that are worth exploring.
In this video, we delve into the hidden corners of their lives, unearthing fascinating tidbits
and shedding light on the remarkable journey of the Three Stooges.
Join Facts Verse, as we present: Three Stooges Facts That They Hid From Fans
There Were A Lot More Than Three!
Before the official formation of the Three Stooges, there was a group known as "Ted Healy
and His Stooges."
Ted Healy, an American vaudeville performer, formed the group in the late 1920s.
This early lineup consisted of Moe Howard, Larry Fine, and Shemp Howard.
Healy was the central figure, and Moe, Larry, and Shemp played supporting roles rather than
being the main focus of the act.
Eventually, the trio decided to leave Healy's group and venture out on their own, leading
to the formation of the Three Stooges as we know them today.
Shemp Howard remained with the group until 1932 when he temporarily left to pursue a
solo career in film.
To replace Shemp, the Three Stooges welcomed Curly Howard, another one of Moe's brothers,
to the group in 1932.
Moe, Larry, and Curly became the most iconic lineup of the Three Stooges and are widely
recognized as such.
In 1946, Curly suffered a stroke, which forced him to retire from performing.
Shemp returned to the group, reuniting with Moe and Larry.
This lineup, consisting of Moe, Larry, and Shemp, continued until Shemp's untimely death
in 1955.
After Shemp's passing, the Three Stooges brought in Joe Besser as a replacement, though he
left in 1958.
Finally, in 1959, the Three Stooges welcomed Joe DeRita, also known as "Curly Joe," as
their final member.
With Moe, Larry, and Curly Joe, they continued to make films and television appearances until
the group's official retirement in 1970.
We should also note that when Shemp left he briefly formed his own act known as "Shemp
Howard and His Stooges."
This group included performers like Sid Walker, Skins Miller, and Jack Harling.
It's also worth mentioning that Ted Healy himself referred to various comedy acts he
worked with as "The Stooges" even before his association with Moe, Larry, and Shemp.
Healy's Stooges at different times included performers like Fred Sanborn, Eddie Moran,
and Paul "Skinny" Sandford.
However, these iterations of the Stooges were distinct from the later Three Stooges group
that gained widespread recognition.
Curly’s… hair?
When you think of Curly Howard, a bald head is likely the first image that comes to mind.
However, what many people don't realize is that Curly actually had a lot of hair!
Curly's real name was Jerome Lester Horwitz, and he had a full head of curly locks that
he meticulously shaved for his iconic character.
His thick hair was a surprising contrast to the shiny bald look he sported in his comedic
performances.
Curly's decision to go completely bald was driven by both practicality and comedic effect.
It allowed him to fit seamlessly into various slapstick gags, such as having objects stuck
to his scalp or being pulled by his hair.
Curly embraced the comedic potential of being bald.
His bald persona became one of the most recognizable and endearing aspects of his character.
Curly's baldness was accentuated by his trademark clean-shaven head, which he maintained by
using a razor or a depilatory cream.
This commitment to his bald image showcased Curly's willingness to go the extra mile for
his comedic artistry.
Interestingly, Curly's natural hair wasn't just curly; it was also known for its vibrant
red hue.
In photographs taken before his transformation into Curly, one can catch a glimpse of his
fiery red locks, a striking feature that added to his distinctive appearance.
It's intriguing to imagine how different his comedic persona might have been if he had
chosen to keep his natural hair and embrace his fiery redhead identity on screen.
Curly's decision to hide his full head of hair was an example of the lengths that the
Three Stooges went to create their unique brand of physical comedy.
Each member of the trio played a specific role, and Curly's baldness became an integral
part of his character's charm.
His bald head, along with his expressive face, exaggerated physical movements, and signature
"woo-woo-woo" sound effects, contributed to the overall slapstick hilarity that defined
the Three Stooges' comedy style.
Ted Healy’s death The death of Ted Healy, the original founder
and leader of the Three Stooges, remains shrouded in mystery and controversy.
On December 21, 1937, Healy was found unconscious in his apartment and was rushed to the hospital,
where he eventually succumbed to his injuries.
The circumstances surrounding his death have sparked numerous theories and speculations,
leaving a lingering sense of intrigue among fans and historians alike.
One prevailing theory suggests that Healy's demise was the result of a violent altercation.
According to this account, Healy was involved in a bar fight earlier that evening, where
he allegedly clashed with several unknown individuals.
It is believed that the injuries sustained during this confrontation may have contributed
to his subsequent decline in health.
However, the exact details of the altercation, the identities of the individuals involved,
and the motivations behind the altercation have never been definitively established.
Another theory suggests that Healy's death was the result of a botched surgery.
It is claimed that Healy underwent a routine operation to address ongoing health issues,
but complications arose during the procedure, leading to his tragic demise.
However, this theory, like others, lacks concrete evidence and remains speculative.
Adding to the intrigue is the possibility of foul play.
Some proponents of this theory believe that Healy's death was not accidental or a result
of medical complications but was instead a deliberate act.
The reasons behind such a sinister act are largely unknown, with speculation ranging
from personal conflicts to professional disputes within the entertainment industry.
Curly’s Circles One of the most memorable and hilarious sketches
featuring Curly Howard from the Three Stooges involves him running around in circles, often
accompanied by his signature sound effects and comedic expressions.
Surprisingly, this iconic routine originated from a spontaneous moment of improvisation
during filming.
Legend has it that while filming a scene, Curly found himself momentarily disoriented
and confused about his next move.
In a stroke of comedic genius, he decided to embrace the confusion and started running
in circles, frantically trying to find his bearings.
His fellow Stooges, Moe and Larry, immediately recognized the comedic potential of Curly's
impromptu action and quickly adapted, adding their own reactions and physical comedy to
the mix.
The improvisational brilliance of Curly's circle-running routine struck a chord with
audiences, resulting in uproarious laughter and earning the sketch a special place in
the hearts of Stooge fans.
The energy, spontaneity, and sheer physicality of the performance perfectly encapsulated
the essence of the Three Stooges' comedy.
What began as an unplanned moment became a signature move for Curly, and the running-in-circles
routine became a recurring gag in many of their subsequent films and shorts.
Each time it was performed, the Stooges would add unique variations and additional elements
to keep the audience in stitches.
Money Troubles Behind the laughter and slapstick comedy,
the Three Stooges faced significant financial challenges throughout their careers.
Despite their immense popularity and enduring success, the Stooges often struggled to secure
fair compensation for their work, leaving them in constant financial turmoil.
One of the main reasons for their money troubles was their unfavorable contract with Columbia
Pictures, the studio that produced the majority of their films.
The Stooges signed a deal that granted them a flat salary, which did not include any profit
participation or residuals from the films' success.
This meant that regardless of how well their movies performed, the Stooges did not directly
benefit financially from their popularity.
Additionally, the Stooges were not given creative control over their projects.
They had little say in the scripts, direction, or overall decision-making, leaving them at
the mercy of the studio's choices.
This lack of control also contributed to their inability to negotiate better financial terms.
Furthermore, the Stooges' financial troubles were exacerbated by their personal lives.
They faced expensive medical bills, particularly for Curly, who suffered from various health
issues, including his debilitating stroke.
The cost of his ongoing medical care and the resulting loss of work only added to the financial
strain.
In addition to their contractual and personal financial burdens, the Stooges also faced
legal battles over the ownership and control of their name and likeness.
This further complicated their financial situation, as legal fees and the inability to capitalize
fully on their brand limited their earning potential.
Doing Their Own Stunts Moe Howard was particularly known for his
fearlessness when it came to performing stunts.
He would often take on the role of the "heavy," enduring countless physical blows and falls
for the sake of comedic effect.
Moe's robust build and resilience made him well-suited for these demanding stunts, and
he willingly put himself in harm's way to entertain audiences.
Larry Fine, with his lanky frame and rubber-like flexibility, was also no stranger to physicality.
He frequently engaged in acrobatic moves, contortions, and pratfalls that showcased
his agility and comedic timing.
Whether it was swinging from chandeliers or taking a tumble down a flight of stairs, Larry
fearlessly embraced the physical demands of his comedic role.
Curly Howard, with his remarkable physicality and natural athleticism, was a true master
of physical comedy.
His innate ability to contort his body and execute acrobatic movements allowed him to
perform stunts that left audiences in awe.
From backflips to high-flying jumps, Curly's fearless approach to stunts elevated the comedy
to new heights.
While the Stooges' commitment to their craft was undeniable, it's worth noting that their
stunts were not without risks.
Despite their careful choreography and preparation, accidents did happen.
Bruises, bumps, and the occasional broken bone were part and parcel of their commitment
to bringing laughter to the screen.
Nevertheless, they soldiered on, pushing their physical limits and ensuring that their comedic
performances remained unforgettable.
Now it’s time to hear from you!
Who is your favorite Stooge?
Let us know in the comments section below!