The Three Stooges’ chaotic humor hid some surprising behind-the-scenes facts. Moe Howard not only led their antics onscreen but also managed their business, while Curly (real name Jerome Horwitz) almost missed joining the trio. His charm made him a fan favorite, but his declining health forced him to leave. Interestingly, the Stooges were one of the first comedy groups to mock Hitler during WWII, a move that enraged the dictator.
Moe’s bowl cut and Curly’s shaved head were key parts of their iconic looks. Curly’s limp, often used for comedy, was due to a childhood accident. Despite their popularity, the Stooges were underpaid and overworked, struggling with harsh contracts at Columbia Pictures.
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Stunts often got dangerous, with Curly and Larry suffering real injuries. The trio’s slapstick antics and improvisation, like Curly’s running-in-circles gag, became fan favorites. Their legacy lives on, with an Oscar nomination, a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, and multiple reboots and tributes.