The Three Stooges, a beloved comedy trio, had a storied history filled with laughter, disputes, and hardships. Despite their slapstick antics, the group’s behind-the-scenes struggles reveal a deeper story. Originally led by Moe Howard and Larry Fine, the act rotated six members over its half-century run. Moe’s brothers Shemp and Curly, followed by Joe Besser and Curly Joe DeRita, completed the trio at different times.
Their journey began with Ted Healy in vaudeville, evolving into their iconic act with Columbia Pictures, where they produced over 200 short films. Known for performing their own stunts, the Stooges endured injuries and underpayment while maintaining their comedic legacy. Tragedies struck with the early deaths of Curly and Shemp, but the group persisted, adapting to changes in cast and format.
Despite setbacks, they thrived in the 1960s with feature films and TV appearances, earning a new generation of fans. However, the deaths of Larry in 1975 and Moe shortly after marked the end of the original act. Their enduring legacy remains celebrated, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, cementing their place in comedy history.