Shemp Howard 125 -- March 11, 2020

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Samuel Horwitz, better known as Shemp Howard, was born 125 years ago today, 11-March-1895.  He joined his brother Moses (Moe) and Ted Healy in a vaudeville which became known as Ted Healy and his Stooges.  In 1928, Larry Fine joined the act to make three stooges.  In 1932, Shemp left after a dispute with Healy.  Lots of people  had disputes with Healy.  Youngest Horwitz brother, Jerry, took his place and took the name Curly.

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Shemp made many solo appearances in short comedies and later in features, like The Bank Dick with WC Fields.

Shemp was already appearing in Columbia two reelers when Curly had a severe stroke.  Shemp agreed to take his place in the act.  Shemp appeared with Moe and Larry until he died of a heart attack in 1955.

When I was a kid watching the Three Stooges on television, I found it confusing that the third Stooge changed from Curly to Shemp to Joe Besser.