Shemp Howard
Samuel (born Shmuel) Horwitz (March 11, 1895 – November 22, 1955), known professionally as Shemp Howard, was an American actor and comedian. He is best known today for his role as the third stooge in the Three Stooges, a role he first portrayed at the beginning of the act in the early 1920s (1923–1932) while the act was still associated with Ted Healy and known as "Ted Healy and his Stooges", and again from 1946 until his death in 1955. Between his times with the Stooges, Shemp had a successful film career as a solo comedian.
He was born in Manhattan, New York and raised in Brooklyn, the third-born of five Horwitz brothers, sons of Lithuanian Jewish parents. Moses - professionally known as Moe Howard - and Jerome - professionally known as Curly Howard - were his younger brothers.
Throughout his career Shemp seldom stuck to the script and would liven up scenes with ad-libbed incidental dialogue or wisecracks. This became a trademark of his performances. His most notable characteristic as a Stooge was a high-pitched "bee-bee-bee-bee-bee-bee!" sound, a sort of soft screech done by inhaling. It became his signature sound. He used his somewhat homely appearance for comic effect, often mugging grotesquely or allowing his hair to fall in disarray.
Shemp was married to the former Gertrude Frank, whom he wed in September 1925. The couple had one child, Morton (1926–1972).
On November 22, 1955, while returning home in a taxicab following attending a boxing match with friends, Shemp, age 60, died of a sudden massive heart attack.
The Three Stooges have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1560 Vine Street.
Acting
Movie
Another Thin Man
as Wacky (uncredited)
1939
Movie
The Bank Dick
as Joe Guelpe
1940
Movie
Hellzapoppin'
as Louie
1941
Movie
The Invisible Woman
as Frankie
1940
Movie
Buck Privates
as Chef
1941
Movie
Hold That Ghost
as Soda Jerk
1941
Movie
Africa Screams
as Gunner
1949
Movie
Arabian Nights
as Sinbad
1942
Movie
In the Navy
as Dizzy
1941
Movie
Brideless Groom
as Shemp
1947
Movie
Malice in the Palace
as Shemp
1949
Movie
The Flame of New Orleans
as Oyster Bed Cafe Waiter (uncredited)
1941
Movie
Wham-Bam-Slam!
as Shemp
1955
Movie
Sing a Song of Six Pants
as Shemp
1947
Movie
The Strange Case of Doctor Rx
as Det. Sgt. Sweeney
1942
Movie
Murder Over New York
as Shorty McCoy alias Rashid the Fakir
1940
Movie
Pittsburgh
as Shorty (The Tailor)
1942
Movie
Soup to Nuts
as Fireman
1930
Movie
It Ain't Hay
as Umbrella Sam
1943
Movie
Spooks!
as Shemp
1953
Movie
The Lone Wolf Meets a Lady
as Joe - a Pickpocket
1940
TV
The Colgate Comedy Hour
as Self
1950
Movie
Who Done It?
as Shemp
1949
Movie
Road Show
as Moe Parker (uncredited)
1941