Appreciating Joe Besser- The Never Accepted Stooge

The Three Stooges are still incredibly popular decades after their last film was released. All the Stooges passed away decades ago. It’s a testament to their chemistry that their movies are still played and loved. There are channels that devote hours on a Saturday afternoon to just Stooges films. 

Joe Besser was one of the last guys to join the group and he was one of the last to pass away. 

It must have tough for him in those final years. He had a career before the Stooges, not a star, but he was a character and found steady work. He had a steady role on the Abbott and Costello show as a constant foil for Lou Costello. There were bits in movies so he had a comfortable life. 

The Three Stooges we’re ready to quit before Joe Besser came on board. Curly Howard was a breakout star and when health forced him out, his brother Shemp filled that spot. He wasn’t as popular, but he kept them going. 

I’ve read a few websites that say Besser was not a first choice when Shem retired. The studios forced Besser on Moe Howard and Larry Fine. In this capacity, he had it written into his contract that he wouldn’t be subjected to the constant slaps that Curly Howard endured. This broke the chemistry. It was Moe and Larry, the Stooges and the new hired hand. Joe claims that the guys treated him great and they had a good relationship until the contracts ended. No one pushed to renew contracts.

He had to know that he was not liked by fans. The shows that were sold to television were mostly the Curly years. Even Shemp didn’t get a lot of love from television, but he was in a lot of shorts. When people talk Stooges, they say Moe Larry and Curly. In 1984, the Jump in the Saddle Band did a song called, The Curly Shuffle that name dropped the Stooges and left off Joe Besser. 

Joe Besser lived to hear this. What could that have been like for him? What must it be like to have those years ignored? I don’t do super research but I don’t find bitterness from him.

Joe Besser was still a member of a super famous group of comedians no matter what anyone says. He made money. He still achieved a level of fame, many never have.  

Joe Besser never lost his name or pride so we can’t feel bad for him. It’s too bad he wasn’t appreciated as much as Curly or even Curly Joe DeRita.