Nyuk, Nyuk, Nyuk! The Three Stooges’ Shemp Howard Has a New Biography Out Soon

OF CASH AND HASH, Moe Howard, Shemp Howard, Larry Fine [The Three Stooges], 1955
Everett Collection

If you’re a nostalgic comedy fan, you know all about The Three Stooges. They were an American vaudeville and comedy act that paved the way for so many physical and slapstick comedians to come. The trio, comprised of Larry, Moe and Curly, was actually six different Stooges over the years. One of the Stooges was Shemp Howard (born Samuel Horwitz), brother of Moe Howard (born Moses Horwitz). Now, fans can get an inside look at Shemp’s life in a new book called SHEMP! The Biography of the Three Stooges’ Shemp Howard, the Face of Film Comedy by Burt Kearns.

The book examines his life and career as one of the original Stooges. He quit and set off on his own in 1932, having a fruitful career alongside some of the biggest names of Hollywood’s golden age. Unfortunately, he died in 1955 at age 60. The book will not only explore his life and career but also the circumstances around his untimely death.

Shemp Howard biography

Amazon

Kearns aimed to uncover the truth about the Stooges’ history and learn how a man who supposedly had debilitating phobias could deliver such a grand performance in show business. He interviewed family members, fans, filmmakers, celebrities and more to get all of the information to write a book that would give Shemp justice.

GIVE US WINGS, Shemp Howard, 1940

Everett Collection

Several comedians have already gotten their hands on the book. Actor Richard Kind said about the biography, “SHEMP! examines every question about the Three Stooges that was in the recesses of my mind, through the character I believe made them a unit. SHEMP! realizes who Shemp was: the actor, the Stooge and the man — and why it’s cool to love him. A fascinating and fun book.”

Preorder the book on Amazon before it is released on Oct. 1, 2024. Will you be reading the book? Let us know in the comments or just chat about your favorite Stooges!

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March 2021

Chuckle at television & films funniest comic duos.

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