The Three Stooges

Q: The two mainstays of the Three Stooges are Larry and who?

A: Moe

The Two Mainstays of The Three Stooges

The Three Stooges are one of the most iconic comedy trios in history, known for their slapstick humor, eye-pokes, and timeless routines. Over their decades-long career, the lineup changed several times, but two Stooges remained constant throughout most of the group's success: Moe Howard and Larry Fine.

Moe Howard: The Bossy Leader

Moe Howard, born Moses Horwitz, was the driving force behind The Three Stooges. Recognizable by his signature bowl haircut and gruff demeanor, Moe played the aggressive leader who frequently disciplined the other Stooges with slaps and pokes. However, behind the scenes, he was also the real-life glue that held the group together, handling much of the business and ensuring their continued success in film and television.

Larry Fine: The Lovable Goof

Larry Fine, born Louis Feinberg, was the frizzy-haired, violin-playing Stooge who balanced Moe’s tough-guy persona with his own quirky and bewildered expressions. His comedic timing and ability to react to the chaos around him made him an indispensable part of the team. Unlike Moe, who took on a more authoritative role, Larry often played the well-meaning but clueless sidekick, making him a fan favorite.

The Legacy

Over the years, different third Stooges came and went—most notably Curly Howard, Shemp Howard, and later Joe Besser and Curly Joe DeRita—but Moe and Larry remained the core duo from the early days of their film shorts in the 1930s until their final performances in the 1970s.

Without Moe’s leadership and Larry’s comedic charm, The Three Stooges would not have become the beloved legends of comedy that they are today. Their influence is still felt in comedy and pop culture, proving that their brand of humor is truly timeless.

Who was your favorite Stooge? Let us know in the comments!