The Tragic Untold History of The Three Stooges

Contrary to popular belief, the lives of The Three Stooges weren’t all fun and games. Between health scares, shady management and limitations on their comedic reach, the trio experienced their fair share of disappointment and grief during their career.

This is the untold history of the beloved comedy trio…

Turn that Frown Upside-Down

The Three Stooges’ rise to fame happened during the Great Depression, considered one of the darkest times in United States History.

In an attempt to lighten the doom and gloom of society, the trio’s slapstick comedy made an effort to mock the aristocracy which had previously been glamorized in film.

By aligning themselves with the common man and his struggles, the Three Stooges’ hilarious antics taught people to laugh in the face of adversity.

An Eye for an Eye

One of the many physical gags the Three Stooges had up their sleeves was the “eye poke” which was actually based on a real-life incident.

While playing cards, Shemp Howard accused Larry Fine of cheating and became so enraged that he jabbed Fine in both eyes. Howard’s brother Moe witnessed the scene and decided to steal the move for his own use.

Hiding the Pain

Often the butt of every joke, Curly warmed his way into audience’s hearts as the fan favorite of the trio. However, this lovable Stooge hid many insecurities including a dependency on food and alcohol and intense need for companionship.

In 1945, he married Marion Buxbaum and entered into a unhealthy relationship where he attempted to earn her affection through expensive gifts. The two ended up divorcing nine months later in an extremely bitter legal battle.

In his despair, Curly sought comfort in his old habits leading to weight gain, increased hypertension, retinal hemorrhages and ultimately a stroke.

Walking the Walk

Curly’s signature way of walking was actually due to a childhood incident and not clever improvisation. When he was twelve, Curly (birth-name Jerome) accidentally shot himself in the ankle while cleaning out a rifle. Frightened of surgery, he decided to forgo the corrective measure which “resulted in a noticeably thinner left leg” and a limp he eventually hid with “his famous exaggerated walk.”