SHEMP!: The Biography of The Three Stooges’ Shemp Howard, The Face of Film Comedy 

To me, Shemp Howard was the most talented Stooge, setting himself apart from the others and willing to push the boundaries beyond what was expected. While Curly’s slapstick antics made him beloved, Shemp’s versatility and adventurous spirit truly distinguished him. What surprised me the most was discovering that, unlike his fellow Stooges who largely remained confined to the “Stooge Universe,” Shemp had an impressive career outside of the group.

Shemp Howard was not only one of the most recognizable faces of the 20th century but was also one of its most talented and influential comedic actors and showbiz personalities. Alongside his brother Moe and the comedic violinist Larry Fine, Shemp was an original member of the trio that would become famous as the Three Stooges. However, in 1932, Shemp left the group to carve out his path, playing by his own rules and showing an independence rarely seen at the time.

Shemp Howard was once famously promoted as “The Ugliest Man in the Movies,” a humorous label that belied his incredible talent as a comic actor. His unique name, “Shemp,” came about during his childhood, thanks to his mother. Whenever she called out his given name, “Sam,” her thick Lithuanian accent and sharp way of speaking caused it to sound like “Shemp.” The nickname stuck, and he carried it with him throughout his life and career.

Standing at a “towering” 5’7″, Shemp was the tallest of the six men who would eventually become members of the iconic comedy group, The Three Stooges. While this might not seem tall by today’s standards, it was enough to distinguish him from his Stooges counterparts. However, Shemp was much more than just a Stooge. During the 1940s, he enjoyed a successful solo career, starring in his series of comedy shorts produced at Columbia Pictures. Interestingly, these shorts were created by the same team that was simultaneously making The Three Stooges films, which underscores the faith Columbia had in Shemp’s comedic prowess.

In Burt Kearns‘ book SHEMP!, the author highlights the depth of Shemp’s career, which, until now, has largely gone underappreciated. Beyond his work as a Stooge, Shemp appeared in over a hundred films, including comedies, dramas, mysteries, Westerns, and musicals. He shared the screen with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars during the Golden Age, such as W.C. Fields, John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart, Marlene Dietrich, William Powell, Lon Chaney Jr., Myrna Loy, and Abbott & Costello. Shemp’s solo career, filled with variety and risk-taking, far surpassed the confines of his work with the Stooges.

Kearns’ book also sheds light on the often-overlooked aspects of Shemp’s life, challenging long-standing myths about the Three Stooges’ history. Through meticulous research and interviews with family members, experts, and fans, SHEMP! reveals the complex journey of a child of Jewish immigrants who, despite battling reported phobias, rose to prominence in the entertainment world. The book explores the behind-the-scenes decisions that led to Shemp’s return to the Stooges, as well as the tragic circumstances surrounding his premature death.

Despite his reputation as a Stooge, Shemp’s work outside the group highlighted his versatility as a performer. His ability to command the screen on his own, while maintaining his roots with the Stooges, speaks to his significant contribution to comedy during Hollywood’s Golden Age. Through its exploration of Shemp’s extensive solo work and the modern “cult of Shemp” that continues to thrive, Kearns’ SHEMP! finally cements Shemp Howard’s rightful place in the annals of cinematic history, elevating him as a performer whose influence extends far beyond the Three Stooges.