Facts You Didn’t Know About The Three Stooges

The Three Stooges, one of the most iconic and original comedians in recent history, have undoubtedly made an irreplaceable mark on the entertainment world. The Stooges are famously known for their physical humor and timeless gags, eventually becoming the source of comedy for multiple generations.

Moses Harry Horwitz, known as Moe, is perhaps the most iconic figure among the Stooges. While he played a pivotal role in their tremendous success, the group’s popularity gradually declined. Facing a scarcity of acting opportunities, Horwitz grew concerned about his financial situation.

Unlike many famous actors and actresses, the Stooges did not make any residuals off their shows and movies. A majority of actors earn residual checks when their shows and movies are broadcast on TV, uploaded to a streaming service, or released on home video.

In 1958, instead of extending the Stooges’ contract, Columbia decided to release the troupe. In the same year, the studio decided to distribute a number of their timeless short films for television syndication. While the decision ultimately hurt the Stooges’, it was a genius business move for the company.

Even if you are unable to recognize the Three Stooges by their names, you are more than likely able to recognize them for their hairstyles. Curly had the infamous buzz cut, Larry with the bozo, and even Moe’s bowl cut. Moe would even go on to keep the style after he retired from the show. However, Moe’s hairstyle did not originate with the Stooges.

In the deep physical comedy arsenal of the Stooges, the succinct way to ultimately say “I hate You” was by extending the ring and index fingers to make a V shape and plunge them into the adversary’s eyes. This, of course, was exaggerated on television, but it was inspired by a real-life incident.

Boasting a natural flair for stage performances from their early years in Brooklyn during the turn of the 20th century, the Horwitz brothers, Moses “Moe” Horwitz, Jerome “Curly” Horwitz, and Samuel “Shemp” Horwitz (who later adopted the common stage surname “Howard”), secured their significant breakthrough in the world of show business. This opportunity came when their childhood friend and vaudeville entertainer, Ted Healy, invited them to join his comedy act as “stooges” in 1922. The troupe later saw the addition of Larry Fine, with Curly taking his place after Shemp’s departure, solidifying the ensemble that would go on to become the legendary Three Stooges.

During a 1994 research project, Donal B. Morlan, a comedy historian and communications professor at the University of Dayton, watched every single one of Columbia’s Three Stooges shorts, culminating in 190 episodes. Morlan, in particular, paid close attention to the pie-tossing scenes.

If you are watching one of the Stooges’s short films, you are more than likely to watch an episode of the Stooges throwing pies at one another. Due to the small budgets, the crew would have to sweep up the used pies to be reused for another take, which would ultimately have consequences.

The short films were created by Columbia Pictures and ran for 23 years. However, Columbia executive Harry Cohn, never really rewarded the Stooges financially. In the beginning, the pay was $1,000 a month, which had to be split three ways. The team renegotiated every year for their one-year contract, while Cohn argued that the short film division of Columbia was not making a profit.

Since Moe was right-handed, he would always end up smacking Larry on the left cheek. As a result of the repeated smacking on the left side of his face, Larry eventually had a callused face.

Curly’s comedic talent seemed boundless, as he could effortlessly turn even the simplest actions, such as a hand gesture or a stumble on the floor, into uproarious humor. While many of these comedic quirks were born from his instincts as a performer, Curly’s signature exaggerated walk had a surprising origin of its own.

Larry Fine’s father worked as a jeweler, which was a profession that involved handling hazardous chemicals at times. At the young age of four, Larry got a hold of a bottle of gold-testing acid. Larry apparently had the intention to drink the chemicals, but his father was able to intervene just in time, ultimately diverting a potentially dangerous situation.

The 1963 film, “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World”, had an all-star cast, which included Sid Caesar, Jonathan Winters, Mickey Rooney, Buddy Hackett, Milton Berle, Dick Shawn, Spencer Tracy, and Ethel Merman starred in the show.

Despite the Three Stooges’ immense popularity, the production of the short films would work on a minimal budget for the entirety of the films. While the group did not have deep production films like the major production films, they were able to recycle elements from other movie projects. This would include sets, props, and costumes, allowing them to make the most of their limited resources.

At one point, one of the Stooges, Samuel Horwitz, was widely recognized by his stage name, Shemp Howard. Throughout the years, Shemp alternated between being a part of the Stooges and taking breaks from the group. His periodic absences allowed Curly to step into the picture, but Curly’s declining health ultimately forced him to leave the trio in the late 1940s. This departure led to Shemp’s return to the group.

Fans of the Three Stooges would eventually develop an appreciation for Curly’s commitment to comedic excellence. One of his most famous moves was to panic and run in circles, which consistently earned high praise and laughter. This act appealed to so many that the Stooges eventually scripted the specific action into scene descriptions. However, there is a deeper meaning behind why Curly began to incorporate this frenzied run into his performances.

In the film “Have Rocket, Will Travel,” released in 1959, the Stooges, consisting of Moe, Larry, and Curly Joe, find themselves in an unconventional and out-of-this-world scenario. A mishap propels them onto a rocketship bound for Venus, where their adventures include encounters with a unicorn, a malevolent computer, and a giant spider that singes their pants (with footage borrowed from the 1955 creature feature, “Tarantula”).

In “The Outlaws is Coming,” a 1965 film, Adam West portrayed the character Sheriff Kenneth Cabot. During this story, Cabot relocated to a town in Wyoming, joining forces with three characters which were portrayed by the Three Stooges. The film displayed a unique blend of comedy and action.

While many Stooge fans know them from their short television shows, the iconic trio could even be experienced live and in person. During and following their time with Columbia Pictures, the Stooges would go on nationwide tours, bringing their comedy shows to audiences throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Even after the passing of Curly Howard in 1952, the show incorporated Joe DeRita to continue with the show.

While no major punches were thrown during the legal proceedings, a lot of money was involved in the end. Fine and DeRita’s families alleged that Moe Howard’s heirs had wrongly withheld Three Stooges merchandising profits.

In 1934, during the production of the Columbia short film “Three Little Pigskins,” one of the many shorts that contributed to their fame, the Stooges had the opportunity to work alongside a new contract player at Columbia. Interestingly, this contract player was none other than the then-unknown Lucille Ball, who would go on to become a legendary figure in the entertainment industry.

All of the Stooges were extremely talented in their way, but there was only one skilled dancer. Larry Fine was, in fact, an exceptionally skilled ballroom dancer. During his childhood, Fine would work at the Triangle Ballroom in Brooklyn while displaying a different facet of his talent outside of his comedic skills.

In 1947, the release of “Hold That Lion!” marked a significant milestone for the Three Stooges, as it was their 100th short film produced by Columbia Pictures. Fittingly, this landmark short film provided fans with a special treat.

While navigating the changing roster of Stooges, the trio was a mix match of actors throughout its entirety. While Moe and Larry were steadfast fixtures throughout the show’s entire journey, the trio did originally feature Shemp before he decided to pursue a solo career. Curly would then step in as his replacement but would have to leave the group due to health issues. Shemp would return to replace Curly but would unfortunately pass in 1955, which marked a significant transition.
Moe and Larry actually considered becoming the “Two Stooges” but ultimately decided to enlist Joe Besser, a comic actor who already worked for Columbia.

Even if you feel you have a full grasp on all of the Stooges, you may still need to remember one significant actor. Emil Sitka appeared in 35 of Columbia’s short films, frequently playing a recurring role as a character who became a perpetual foil for the Stooges. Although Sitka was not considered a core Stooge, his involvement in the short films adds an interesting footnote to his career and even Stooge’s legacy.

In 1934, “The Millers Daughter,” a Merrie Melodies cartoon, featured living statues. These statues looked extremely similar to Moe, Larry, and Curly, displaying their immense popularity.

When the cameras were not rolling, Curly Howard sometimes appeared somewhat introverted, especially around other people. However, when it came to his love for dogs, he had an entirely different disposition.

Moe Howard previously guest-starred on three episodes of the once-popular The Mike Douglas Show. His fourth appearance on the show actually came with a fun and surprising twist. Howard’s wife, Helen, was in attendance and was asked to join Moe on stage.

While the Three Stooges were a major hit, not everyone enjoyed their style of comedic relief. Many critics had mixed reviews for their styles, so much so that they truly were not fully appreciated until later on.

Despite their undeniable talent, the Stooges never fully grasped the magnitude of their success. Lyla Budnick, the sister of Fine, remembers a time when the trio, who gained immense popularity with their television shorts, traveled to Pittsburgh by train, showing a certain sense of modesty or even a lack of awareness regarding their fame.

In addition to the New Three Stooges, Hanna-Barbera Productions collaborated with Norman Maurer to create a new animated series: The Robotic Stooges.

Due to the Stooges’ significant contributions to pop culture, their success warranted a permanent place of recognition. In 2004, in Ambler, Pennsylvania, The Stoogeum was unveiled just 25 miles outside of Philadelphia. The personal connection to the museum is what makes it truly special.

Throughout the dips and rises in popularity, Larry and Moe faced some challenging times as performers. With the ability to find work increasingly difficult, the entertainers made a joint decision to go into business together. The pair decided to open a hamburger restraint in Glendale, California.

Despite receiving negative reviews from critics, the 1934 film “Hollywood Party” featured one of the most vibrant ensemble casts of the Great Depression era. Notably, Walt Disney himself provided the voice for Mickey Mouse in one segment wherein the iconic cartoon character delivers a punch to Jimmy Durante’s nose.

Prior to being the voice behind infamous characters like Doctor Zoidberg and Zapp Brannigan in “Futurama,” Billy West contributed to Stimpy the Cat to life in Nickelodeon’s show, “The Ren & Stimpy Show.”

On August 30, 1983, one of the largest grand unveilings of the Walk of Fame to honor the Stooges.

Tom Bergeron, best known as the enduring co-host of ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars,” had an unexpected encounter at the age of 16 when he found himself with free time at his family’s Massachusetts residence. Spontaneously, he acquired Larry Fine’s California phone number with the help of an operator.

Brothers Peter and Bobby Farrell directed the 2012 Three Stooges movie, which eventually grossed $54 million at the global box office.

Due to their style of comedy, which was extremely physical at times, the Stooges would often fall victim to a few injuries. During one of the episodes, a Stooge threw a fountain pen at Larry’s head, which became lodged there. In another episode, Curly actually needed six stitches on his head after an incident on the set. In order to continue with filming, Curly had to wear a wig to conceal the injury.

The Three Stooges, iconic figures in comedy history, have left a lasting legacy with a few intriguing lesser-known facts. From their involvement in a variety of ventures outside of comedy, including real estate and the restaurant business, to their unexpected appearances in films like “Hollywood Party,” these tidbits offer a deeper insight into the lives and influence of these beloved slapstick performers. Such hidden facets add an extra layer of fascination to the enduring allure of the Three Stooges.