Back in 1929, at the bustling Coney Island in New York, a vibrant newsreel captured a young man named Shemp Howard. He was putting on quite a show—wrestling a grizzly bear, diving into a pool with a splash, and even leading the crowd in a sing-along. If you look closely behind him, you'll spot his younger brother, Moe Howard, jumping around and soaking in the moment. These two brothers would soon become part of one of the most iconic comedy acts in history: The Three Stooges.
Unveiling Shemp's Legacy
A fresh biography titled Shemp! by Burt Kearns dives deep into the life of the often-overlooked member of the Three Stooges. This book sheds light on Shemp's remarkable journey and his significant contributions to the world of comedy. While Shemp might not have received the same level of fame as his brothers, his talent and charisma were undeniable.
Here's the thing: when most people think of the classic Three Stooges lineup, they picture Moe, Larry Fine, and Curly Howard. That lineup stuck around for so long that Shemp never really had a chance to shine in the same way. As Burt Kearns exclusively revealed to Closer, "Everything Shemp did was often dismissed as second-rate, even though he was a far better actor than any of them." That's a powerful statement, and it's one that deserves our attention.
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Shemp's Career Before the Stooges
Now, let's rewind a bit. Shemp and his brother Moe started their careers in the world of vaudeville as young men. They honed their skills on the circuit and eventually found themselves performing on Broadway as part of an act informally known as Ted Healy and His Stooges. Shemp was the star of the show right from the beginning, but he wasn't afraid to stand up for himself. Burt explains, "He left the act because he wanted more money, and Healy simply wouldn't give it to him." Shemp wasn't one to settle for less, and that determination paved the way for his successful career as a character actor.
Starting with small, uncredited roles in 1933, Shemp gradually built a name for himself in the film industry. Over the years, he worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Fatty Arbuckle, Abbott and Costello, John Wayne, and Marlene Dietrich. His versatility as an actor allowed him to take on a wide range of roles. "Sometimes he'd play a comic gangster, and other times he'd dress up as a man from India," Burt recalls. "Shemp was the only one who could truly stand on his own as a performer."
Shemp wasn't just a gifted performer; he was also a devoted family man. Married to Gertrude Frank, a childhood sweetheart from Brooklyn, Shemp became a father and built a life that balanced his career with family responsibilities. "They settled in Toluca Lake, not far from Universal Studios," Burt shares. "Their home was a hub for social gatherings, with friends stopping by for parties, card games, and music. Gertrude was an amazing hostess who made everyone feel welcome."
Returning to the Stooges
In 1946, Shemp's solo career took a backseat when his younger brother Curly fell ill and couldn't continue performing with the Three Stooges. "Moe convinced Shemp to step in and finish the tour," Burt explains. "Shemp agreed because it was about helping his brothers. But unfortunately, Curly's health never improved, and Shemp stayed with the act." Despite his immense talent, Shemp's time with the Stooges ended prematurely when he passed away from a massive heart attack at the age of 60 in 1955.
Even after his passing, Shemp's contributions to the group were often downplayed. "Moe painted Shemp as this whiny, crying, stupid older brother who was always following him around," Burt notes. "That narrative stuck because Moe was the one who survived them all and ended up telling their history." It's a reminder of how stories can be shaped by those who live to tell them.
