Deaths on January 18

Curly Howard, American actor (b. 1903)

Jerome Lester Horwitz, The Enduring Legacy of Curly Howard

Jerome Lester Horwitz, universally celebrated by his professional moniker Curly Howard (October 22, 1903 – January 18, 1952), was a quintessential American vaudevillian actor and comedian whose unique brand of physical humor and childlike innocence left an indelible mark on comedy history. He remains best known as an integral member of the iconic American comedy team, The Three Stooges. This legendary trio primarily featured his elder brothers, Moe Howard and Shemp Howard, alongside the versatile actor Larry Fine. Early in his career, before solidifying his signature persona, he was sometimes billed as "Curley."

The Unforgettable Persona of Curly Howard

Curly Howard is widely regarded as the most popular and instantly recognizable figure among the Stooges, a testament to his distinct comedic genius. His appeal stemmed from a remarkable blend of vocal mannerisms, spontaneous improvisations, and surprisingly agile physical comedy. He was famous for his high-pitched voice and a repertoire of quirky vocal expressions that became synonymous with the character:

• "Nyuk-nyuk-nyuk!": A signature giggling sound, often accompanying mischievous or bewildered moments.
• "Woob-woob-woob!": A nervous, flustered vocal flutter that conveyed anxiety or confusion, widely adopted by audiences.
• "Soitenly!": An exaggerated, high-pitched pronunciation of "certainly," used to affirm something with an almost childlike enthusiasm.
• "I'm a victim of soikemstance": A plaintive, comically self-pitying declaration often uttered after one of his frequent mishaps.
• Imitations, such as barking like a dog: Adding another layer to his unpredictable and often animalistic reactions.

Beyond his voice, Curly's physical comedy was unparalleled. Despite his later portly appearance, he possessed surprising athleticism, which was crucial for his elaborate slapstick routines. His signature moves included:

• Falling to the ground and expertly pivoting on his shoulder, often in a circular motion, a move affectionately known as "The Curly Shuffle" or "Curly-Q."
• Exaggerated reactions to pain or surprise, often involving flailing limbs or rapid-fire movements.
• Unpredictable leaps, tumbles, and contorted poses that showcased his natural comedic timing and agility.

An untrained actor, Curly's brilliance lay in his raw, intuitive talent for improvisation. Many of his most memorable moments were spontaneous additions to the script. Interestingly, his iconic "woob-woob" vocalization was borrowed and significantly exaggerated from the mannerisms of Hugh Herbert, a popular soft-spoken character comedian known for his nervous tics and vocal quirks. Curly's unique and amplified version of "woob-woob-woob" was firmly established by the time of The Three Stooges' second short film for Columbia Pictures, the highly influential Punch Drunks (1934), solidifying his distinct comedic identity.

A Tragic Farewell and Enduring Legacy

Tragically, Curly Howard's prolific show business career was cut short in May 1946 when he suffered a massive stroke. This severe health crisis forced his immediate departure from The Three Stooges act, marking the end of his active performance career. Following this initial debilitating event, he endured a period of serious health problems, including several more strokes and a cerebral hemorrhage, which severely impacted his physical and mental faculties. He bravely battled these ailments until his untimely passing on January 18, 1952, at the relatively young age of 48. Despite his brief but impactful tenure with The Three Stooges (from 1932 to 1946), Curly Howard's unique brand of zany humor, distinctive voice, and unparalleled physical comedy have cemented his status as a timeless icon, continuing to entertain and influence generations of comedians and fans worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Curly Howard

When did Curly Howard join The Three Stooges?

Curly Howard officially joined The Three Stooges in 1932, replacing his elder brother Shemp Howard, who had left to pursue a solo career. Curly debuted with the team in their first short for MGM, Nertsery Rhymes, though their true breakthrough came with Columbia Pictures.

What was Curly Howard's real name?

Curly Howard's birth name was Jerome Lester Horwitz.

How did Curly Howard's career with The Three Stooges end?

Curly Howard was forced to retire from The Three Stooges in May 1946 after suffering a severe, massive stroke during the filming of the short Half-Wits Holiday. This illness sadly ended his active performing career and led to his premature death.

What made Curly Howard so popular compared to the other Stooges?

Curly's widespread popularity stemmed from his unique combination of childlike innocence, spontaneous improvisations, distinctive high-pitched vocalizations like "nyuk-nyuk-nyuk!" and "woob-woob-woob!", and surprisingly agile physical comedy. His endearing persona often contrasted with Moe's aggressive leadership and Larry's laid-back demeanor, making him the relatable and often sympathetic focus of their antics.