Shemp Howard’s Fortune: Was He Richer Than the Other Stooges?

You might remember the Three Stooges, the hilarious slapstick trio from the silver screen. But did you know about the intriguing financial life of Shemp Howard, the often-underappreciated member of the group? Despite his comedic brilliance, Shemp never quite reached the star status of his brother Curly. However, he quietly built up a respectable fortune over his long career in vaudeville, movies, and even television.

The Surprisingly Savvy Businessman Behind the Stooge

Many fans are surprised to learn that Shemp Howard, the often-overlooked Stooge, might have been the wealthiest of the bunch. Experts estimate his net worth at around $20 million in today’s money! So how did he amass such a fortune?

A lot of folks don’t realize that Shemp actually stepped away from the Stooges back in 1932. This turned out to be a pretty smart move for him. Going solo allowed Shemp to land some sweet gigs in movies and short films. He became a go-to comedic sidekick, and his bank account definitely felt the love during this period.

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Fast forward to 1946. Curly, one of the original Stooges, wasn’t doing so well health-wise. Shemp stepped back in to fill the void, and his return to the Stooges only added to his growing fortune.

Here are a few things that likely played a role in Shemp’s financial success:

• Decades in the Biz: We’re talking over three decades of steady work in the entertainment industry, which definitely adds up.
• Smart Investments: While we don’t have all the details, it’s reasonable to assume that someone as successful as Shemp probably made some wise financial moves along the way.
• Timeless Comedy: Let’s be real, people still love the Three Stooges. Their work continues to bring in money through reruns, merchandise, and all sorts of other avenues, likely benefiting Shemp’s estate.

Were the Three Stooges Wealthy?

The Three Stooges – they were hilarious! But did all that fame make them rich? Well, it’s complicated. While none of them became super-wealthy, they weren’t exactly struggling either. It seems like their individual net worths varied quite a bit, and some were better at managing their money than others.

Key Point: Despite their comedic genius and enduring fame, The Three Stooges weren’t rolling in dough, challenging the common perception that iconic entertainers amass vast fortunes.

Here’s a breakdown:

• Shemp Howard: Estimated net worth of $4 million (at the time of his death) or $20 million in today’s currency. He was likely the wealthiest of the trio.
• Curly Howard: Estimated net worth of $2 million (at the time of his death). The highest earner during their peak, but his lifestyle and health issues likely impacted his wealth accumulation.
• Larry Fine: Estimated net worth of $1.5 million (at the time of his death). Known for his gambling habit, which might have affected his overall wealth.
• Moe Howard: Estimated net worth of $1 million (at the time of his death). As the business manager, he likely prioritized consistent work over maximizing short-term profits.

Key Point: Shemp Howard, often considered the “forgotten Stooge,” may have actually been the savviest businessman of the trio, with a net worth estimated at $20 million in today’s dollars.

How Much Was Moe Howard Worth When He Died?

Moe Howard will always be remembered as the quick-witted, slap-happy leader of the Three Stooges. While his comedic legacy is secure, the question of his actual wealth at the time of his passing in 1975 is a bit of a mystery. Public records from that era aren’t as detailed as they are today.

Key Point: While pinpointing Moe Howard’s exact net worth at his death in 1975 is difficult due to limited public records, analyzing his career earnings and real estate holdings provides valuable insight.

While Moe was the brains (and often the brawn) behind the Stooges’ success, the contracts they signed with Columbia Pictures weren’t exactly a recipe for long-term wealth.

Key Point: The Stooges’ contracts with Columbia Pictures, while providing steady work, heavily favored the studio, highlighting the exploitative practices often faced by entertainers in Hollywood’s Golden Age.

From what we know, Moe lived comfortably but wasn’t known for extravagant spending. Notably, Moe’s daughter, Joan Howard Maurer, took the reins of his estate after his passing. Joan, a savvy businesswoman, recognized the enduring appeal of the Three Stooges and skillfully managed her father’s legacy.

Key Point: Although Moe Howard’s will and estate details remain private, his daughter’s successful management of his likeness and intellectual property rights suggests significant ongoing value.

What Was the Salary of the Three Stooges?

The Three Stooges’ journey to fame and fortune reminds us that success doesn’t always happen overnight. They went from earning around $100 a week in their early days to a cool $2,500 a week for movies and a whopping $10,000 per episode for their CBS show during their peak in the late 1950s.

Key Point: While their slapstick antics seemed priceless, The Three Stooges navigated a fluctuating salary landscape, with earnings ranging from $100 per week to $2,500 per week at their peak.

Key Point: Beyond film salaries, The Three Stooges tapped into lucrative merchandising and licensing deals, generating an estimated $1 million annually at the height of their fame in the 1950s.

Here are some interesting facts about their salaries:

• Joe Besser (who replaced Shemp): He negotiated a higher per-film salary ($3,500) than Moe and Larry at the time.
• Merchandising and Licensing: They made money from merchandise and licensing deals, which probably brought in about a million dollars each year during their peak.

Key Point: Though their individual net worths varied (Curly at $2 million, Larry at $1.5 million, and Moe at $1 million), The Three Stooges’ earnings rivaled top comedy acts like the Marx Brothers, demonstrating their significant impact on the entertainment industry.

Why Did Shemp Quit?

Shemp Howard didn’t just “quit” the Three Stooges once, but twice – and the second time was in 1932, due to his distrust of their leader, Ted Healy.

Key Point: Shemp Howard didn’t just “quit” the Three Stooges once, but twice – and the second time was due to his distrust of Ted Healy’s volatile personality.

Here’s a likely breakdown of why Shemp quit:

• Creative Differences: Shemp wanted more say in their comedy routines.
• Personality Conflicts: Ted Healy was known to be unpredictable, which made Shemp uncomfortable.
• Ambition: Shemp went on to have a successful solo career.

Key Point: While Moe saw a “real job” in real estate, Shemp’s heart belonged to show business, leading him to a solo career that shaped his eventual return to the Stooges.

Key Point: Shemp’s departure paved the way for Curly Howard to join the act, forever changing The Three Stooges’ dynamic and comedic legacy.

Shemp’s decision reminds us that sometimes, you gotta do what’s best for you, even if it means leaving something familiar behind.

Key Point: More than just “pie in the face,” Shemp’s disagreements with Ted Healy reveal the complex power dynamics and artistic clashes behind early 20th-century comedy.

Conclusion

The financial story of the Three Stooges offers a fascinating glimpse into the entertainment world of the past. While their individual wealth may not have been enormous, their impact on comedy is undeniable, and their legacy continues to thrive. They were more than just funnymen; they were savvy businessmen who helped shape the world of comedy as we know it.