Why Shemp Howard Was Considered Second Rate During ‘The Three Stooges’

A new biography by Burt Kearns titled Shemp! will finally shine the spotlight on a member of The Three Stooges, who is considered the most underrated of the group. Shemp Howard replaced Curly Howard, joining his brother Moe and Larry Fine to make up the trio.

Despite Shemp’s acting prowess, people did not like him and considered him second-rate as they were used to the classic group. He eventually left in 1932 to pursue a solo film career after his request for better pay from Ted Healy proved unyielding.

Shemp Howard was considered “second rate” to the other Stooges

Shemp tagged along with his brother Moe in show business, pushing the blackface comedian act and then joining Ted Healy to form Ted Healy and His Stooges in 1922. By 1930, the Howard brothers broke away with Fine to create a similar trio named Howard, Fine & Howard.

Shemp tried to lead his Stooges group during his solo era but flopped at it. He was mostly attached to Moe for most of his career and returned to him and Larry after his independent run to keep them in business.

Why did people not like Shemp Howard?

According to Kearns, Shemp was better off on his own; however, he sacrificed what could have been an iconic solo career to keep the trio relevant after Curly’s passing. Moe hardly acknowledged his brother’s efforts, painting him as a parasite following him around.

Shemp’s stay in the group overshadowed his talent, giving people the narrative that he was a second-rate actor. Despite the dirt on his talent from internal and external opinion, Shemp remained with his brother and friend until his demise in 1955 after a heart attack.