Back in 1929, at the lively Coney Island in New York, a captivating newsreel captured Shemp Howard, the future Three Stooges star, in action. Shemp's antics included wrestling a grizzly bear, diving into a pool with ease, and even leading a crowd in a sing-along. If you look closely, you'll notice his younger brother Moe Howard hopping around in the background, adding to the charm of the scene.
Shemp's Journey: A New Biography Sheds Light
A fresh biography titled Shemp!, penned by Burt Kearns, dives deep into the life of the often-overlooked member of the Three Stooges. This book aims to give Shemp the recognition he truly deserves. The classic lineup that stuck around was Moe, Larry [Fine], and Curly [Howard], which left Shemp without much of a chance to shine. Many saw his work as second-rate, but Burt argues that Shemp was a better actor than any of them.
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Shemp's Career: Success Beyond the Stooges
According to Burt, "If it weren’t for Curly’s stroke in 1946, Shemp might never have rejoined the Stooges." At that time, Shemp was thriving as a character actor in Hollywood films. He didn’t need the Stooges to make a name for himself. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Shemp and his brother Moe started their careers in the world of vaudeville. They found success early on and eventually joined the Broadway act informally known as Ted Healy and His Stooges.
Shemp's Rise: From Vaudeville to Silver Screen
Burt points out, "Shemp was the star of the act from the very beginning. He left the group because he wanted a better paycheck, but Healy refused to pay him more." Starting with uncredited roles in 1933, Shemp gradually carved out a name for himself in the film industry. Over the years, he acted alongside legendary figures such as Fatty Arbuckle, Abbott and Costello, and even shared scenes with icons like John Wayne and Marlene Dietrich. His versatility allowed him to take on a wide range of roles, from comic gangsters to exotic characters like a man from India.
Shemp's Personal Life: Family Man and Host
Shemp married Gertrude Frank, a girl from his Brooklyn neighborhood, and became a devoted family man. Burt shares, "They moved to Toluca Lake, not far from Universal Studios. Their home became a hub for parties, card games, and music. Gertrude was an incredible hostess, and their home was always full of life." Shemp’s independent career took a backseat in 1946 when his younger brother Curly fell ill and could no longer perform with the Three Stooges.
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Returning to the Stooges: Sacrifice and Legacy
Moe convinced Shemp to step in for Curly to finish the tour, and Shemp did it out of love and support for his brothers. But Curly’s health never improved, and Shemp stayed with the act until his untimely death from a massive heart attack at the age of 60 in 1955. Despite his sacrifice, Moe often downplayed Shemp’s importance to the group. Burt explains, "Moe portrayed Shemp as a whining, crying, dimwitted older brother who always followed him around. But the truth is, Moe was the last one standing, and he was the one who shaped the history of the Stooges."
