Contents
Introduction
In the world of slapstick comedy, the Three Stooges reign supreme. But behind the pratfalls and pie fights, there lies a tale of tragedy—a tale woven around Morton Howard, the only son of one of the Stooges, Shemp Howard. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Morton’s life was a blend of brilliance, entrepreneurship, and familial ties. Yet, it was his untimely demise that cast a shadow over his legacy.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit
Morton Horwitz, as he was originally named, possessed a mind that danced with possibilities. Graduating high school at the tender age of 15, he embarked on a journey that would redefine the gas station experience. With his Ce-How chain of service stations, Morton introduced the concept of self-serve gas stations to Los Angeles. Picture this: 18 locations, each adorned with roller-skating “Change Girls” ready to assist motorists. It was innovation wrapped in nostalgia—a slice of Americana that Morton carved out for himself.
A Stooge’s Legacy
Morton’s lineage was steeped in laughter. His father, Shemp Howard, was one-third of the iconic Three Stooges. The slapstick trio—Larry, Moe, and Shemp—left an indelible mark on comedy history. But Morton chose a different path. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard, proving that courage flowed through his veins just like humor did in his father’s routines.
The Quiet Farewell
On January 13, 1972, Morton’s laughter ceased. Pneumonia, that silent assailant, claimed him at the age of 44. No grand finale, no pratfall into eternity—just a quiet departure. His final resting place is nestled in the Mount Sinai Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills, where he lies next to his father, Shemp Howard. The same father who had danced with pies and pratfalls, now rests beside his entrepreneurial son, both immortalized in the annals of showbiz and gasoline pumps.
Remembering Morton
As the wind rustles through the palm trees, we remember Morton Howard—a Stooge’s son, an entrepreneur, and a soul who left us too soon. His legacy lives on, not in slapstick routines, but in the quiet moments when we fill our tanks and glimpse a roller-skating “Change Girl” in our memories.