Joe Besser was a famous comedian and actor who was best known for his role as one of the Three Stooges, a popular slapstick comedy team that starred in many short films and TV shows. He joined the group in 1956, replacing Shemp Howard, who had died of a heart attack. Besser played a whiny and childish character who often said phrases like “You crazy, youuuu!” and “Not so harrrrd!” He left the group in 1959, after Columbia Pictures shut down its short film department. He was replaced by Joe DeRita, who became the last Stooge.
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Early Life and Career
Joe Besser was born on August 12, 1907, in St. Louis, Missouri. He was the ninth child of Morris and Fanny Besser, Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. He had seven older sisters and an older brother, Manny, who was also a comedian. Joe developed an interest in show business at an early age, especially in magic. When he was 12, he sneaked into the train of Howard Thurston, a famous magician who visited St. Louis annually. He was discovered the next day sleeping on top of the lion’s cage in Detroit. Thurston took him under his wing and trained him as an assistant. However, Joe’s nervousness caused him to ruin some of the tricks, and he was assigned to comic roles instead.
Joe continued to pursue a career in comedy, performing in vaudeville and radio shows. He developed a distinctive persona of a bratty and impish man-child who threw tantrums and complained a lot. He caught the attention of the Shubert brothers, who signed him to a theatrical contract. He also appeared in several Broadway shows, such as Sons o’ Fun and Hellzapoppin’. He moved to Hollywood in 1944, where he starred in many feature films and musical comedies, such as Hey, Rookie and Eadie Was a Lady. He often played the foil of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, another famous comedy duo. He also had his own radio show, The Joe Besser Show, which ran from 1946 to 1947.
Joining the Three Stooges
The Three Stooges were originally composed of Moe Howard, Larry Fine, and Shemp Howard, who were friends and colleagues since the 1920s. They started as part of Ted Healy’s vaudeville act, but later broke away and signed with Columbia Pictures in 1934. They made over 190 short films for the studio, becoming one of the most successful and beloved comedy teams of all time. Their trademark style involved physical humor, slapstick gags, eye pokes, head slaps, and verbal insults.
In 1946, Curly Howard, who had replaced Shemp as the third Stooge in 1932, suffered a stroke that forced him to retire from acting. Shemp returned to the group to fill his place. However, Shemp died of a heart attack in 1955, leaving another vacancy in the trio. Moe and Larry considered several candidates to replace Shemp, such as Joe Palma, Frank Mitchell, and Emil Sitka. They eventually chose Joe Besser, who was already under contract with Columbia and had worked with them before.
Besser agreed to join the Stooges on two conditions: he would not be hit too hard or too often by his co-stars, and he would be allowed to leave the group if his wife became ill. Besser’s wife Erna had a heart condition that required constant care. Besser also insisted on keeping his own style of comedy, rather than imitating Curly or Shemp. He played a more refined and polite character than his predecessors, who often resisted or retaliated against Moe’s bullying.
Besser made 16 short films with the Stooges from 1956 to 1958. Some of them were remakes of earlier films that used stock footage of Shemp or Curly. The films were not well received by critics or fans at the time, who preferred the original lineup of the Stooges. However, some of them have gained appreciation over the years for their unique humor and charm.
Leaving the Three Stooges
In 1958, Columbia Pictures decided to close its short film department due to declining profits and changing tastes in comedy. The Stooges were among the last actors to be fired by the studio. They were not informed of their dismissal until they showed up for work one day and found their dressing room locked.
The Stooges decided to continue their act on stage and television. They received an offer from Norman Maurer, Moe’s son-in-law and their agent, to make a feature film called Have Rocket – Will Travel (1959). However, Besser declined to participate because he had to take care of his wife, who had suffered a stroke. He was not fired, as some sources claim, but left the group amicably. He was replaced by Joe DeRita, who became known as “Curly Joe” and stayed with the Stooges until their retirement in 1970.
Besser remained friends with Moe and Larry and wished them well in their new ventures. He also continued to work as an actor and comedian, appearing in many films and TV shows, such as The Joey Bishop Show, The Jack Benny Program, and The New Scooby-Doo Movies. He also voiced several animated characters, such as Babu in Jeannie and Scare Bear in Yogi’s Space Race.
Death and Legacy
Joe Besser died of heart failure on March 1, 1988, at his home in North Hollywood, California. He was 80 years old. He was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California. His wife Erna died on the same day as him, after 56 years of marriage. They had no children.
Joe Besser is remembered as one of the most versatile and talented comedians of his generation. He had a long and successful career in various media, from vaudeville to television. He was also a skilled musician who played the piano, accordion, and violin. He was a generous and kind person who supported many charities and causes. He was a devoted husband who cared for his wife until the end.
Although he was not the most popular or beloved member of the Three Stooges, he was an integral part of their history and legacy. He brought his own flavor and personality to the group, adding a new dimension to their comedy. He was respected and admired by his co-stars and colleagues, who praised his professionalism and talent. He was also appreciated by many fans who enjoyed his unique style and humor.
Joe Besser was a true Stooge and a true star. He made millions of people laugh and smile with his antics and expressions. He left behind a rich and lasting legacy that will continue to entertain and inspire generations to come.
