The face looks familiar. The wild expressions definitely feel familiar. And if you grew up watching classic comedy, you may already be thinking of The Three Stooges. But there is a trap hiding in this quiz!
Two of the answer choices share the same famous last name, and the man in question had a much stranger career path than many casual fans realize. So who is the comedy legend this quiz is challenging you to identify?
The Unexpected Answer: It’s Shemp Howard!
The correct answer to this challenging quiz is Shemp Howard. And here is the first surprising fact that often stumps even devoted fans: Shemp was a Stooge before Curly was!
YES — SHEMP CAME FIRST
Shemp Howard was born Samuel Horwitz in Brooklyn, New York, on March 11, 1895. He was the older brother of both Moe Howard and Curly Howard, making the family connection deep-seated in the roots of The Three Stooges.
Even the name “Shemp” has a story. According to the official Three Stooges biography, his mother’s European accent made the name “Sam” sound something like “Shemp.” The nickname stuck with him throughout his life and career.
Long before millions of people knew The Three Stooges from television reruns, Shemp and Moe were already trying to break into show business, laying the groundwork for what would become one of comedy’s most enduring acts.
The Early Stooges and Shemp’s Unique Path
In the early 1920s, Moe and Shemp became involved with vaudeville comedian Ted Healy. Eventually, Larry Fine also joined the act, forming what was initially known as Ted Healy and His Stooges. This early incarnation of the group saw Shemp performing alongside his brother Moe and Larry Fine, establishing their distinct brand of physical comedy.
However, Shemp’s career path took a significant detour. In 1932, he left Ted Healy’s act to pursue a solo career, signing with Vitaphone Studios. During this period, Shemp found considerable success, appearing in over 70 short films and several feature films, often as a comedic co-star or supporting character. This solo period, sometimes overshadowed by his Stooges fame, solidified his reputation as a versatile comedic actor.
It was during Shemp’s solo years that his younger brother, Curly Howard, stepped in to replace him in Ted Healy’s act. This led to the formation of the iconic trio of Moe, Larry, and Curly, who signed with Columbia Pictures in 1934 and went on to create the shorts that defined The Three Stooges for generations.
The Return of Shemp
Shemp’s journey with The Three Stooges wasn’t over. In 1946, a tragic turn of events brought him back to the fold. After Curly suffered a debilitating stroke, Shemp selflessly rejoined the group to take his brother’s place. He appeared in 73 short films and a feature film, ‘Gold Raiders,’ performing with Moe and Larry until his untimely death in 1955.
Shemp Howard’s career is a testament to resilience and talent, marked by his pioneering role in the Stooges, his successful solo ventures, and his eventual return to help his brothers. His unique brand of exasperated, often high-pitched comedy left an indelible mark on classic Hollywood, proving he was truly a comedy original.
