Who Is Curly Howard? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on October 22, 1903, Jerome Lester Horwitz (known professionally as Curly Howard) would be 121 years old as of 2025. Curly was a prominent figure in American slapstick comedy. He joined The Three Stooges in 1932, becoming a vital element of the trio’s dynamic, known for his goofy persona and laugh-out-loud antics. His influence on comedy is still celebrated today, influencing countless comedians and actors who followed.
| Occupation | Stage Actor |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 22, 1903 |
| Age | 48 Years |
| Birth Place | Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 18 January, 1952 |
| Died Place | San Gabriel, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Curly Howard's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Curly Howard was known for his stocky build and impressive physicality, essential for his slapstick routines. While exact figures may vary, historical records suggest that Curly stood about 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighed in around 200 pounds. His robust physique allowed him to perform a wide range of physical comedy, making his performances memorable.
He was well known for his high-pitched voice and vocal expressions ("nyuk-nyuk-nyuk!", "woob-woob-woob!", "soitenly!" [certainly], "I'm a victim of soikemstance" [circumstance], and barking like a dog), as well as his physical comedy (e.g., falling on the ground and pivoting on his shoulder as he "walked" in circular motion), improvisations, and at
hleticism.
An untrained actor, Curly borrowed (and significantly exaggerated) the "woo woo" from "nervous" comedian Hugh Herbert. Curly's unique version of "woob-woob-woob" was firmly established by the time of the Stooges' second Columbia film, Punch Drunks (1934).
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
During his lifetime, Curly was known to have had a tumultuous personal life marked by several relationships. He was married three times: first to Yvonne Howard (1930-1932), then to Marion Buxbaum (1937-1940), and finally to Christine Joaquim (1945 until his passing in 1952). While no definitive information exists about his current boyfriend or girlfriend pertaining to 2025, it is clear that Curly's relationships were impacted by his career and health challenges throughout his life.
A quiet child, Howard rarely caused problems for his parents (something in which older brothers Moe and Shemp excelled). He was a mediocre student, but excelled as an athlete on the school basketball team. He did not graduate high school; instead, he kept himself busy with odd jobs and constantly following his older brothers, whom he idolized.
He was also an accomplished ballroom dancer and singer and regularly turned up at the Triangle Ballroom in Queens, occasionally bumping into actor George Raft.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death in 1952, Curly Howard's net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, a substantial sum for that era. In today's terms, considering inflation, this would be equivalent to several million dollars. Curly earned a significant salary during his years with The Three Stooges, contributing to his lasting financial legacy. Given the enduring popularity of The Three Stooges, it is likely that his estate continues to generate income through re-runs, merchandise, and compilation films.
During World War II, the Stooges' filming schedule was suspended for seven months each year to facilitate personal appearances. During these periods, the trio frequently performed for service members, a demanding schedule that exacerbated Curly's deteriorating health.
While Howard abstained from alcohol during performances, as Moe strictly prohibited it, his post-work activities often involved excessive indulgence in nightclubs, where he ate, drank, and socialized to cope with professional stress. Howard's financial habits were equally extravagant.
He spent lavishly on wine, food, women, and real estate, frequently finding himself in precarious financial situations, often nearing bankruptcy. Moe Howard ultimately intervened to manage his brother's finances, assisting with budgeting and even preparing Curly's income tax returns.
Career, Business and Investments
Curly began his career as a vaudeville performer and quickly transitioned into films with The Three Stooges, where his antics and personality captivated audiences. His comedic style was marked by physical humor and a distinctive ability to evoke laughter through exaggerated expressions and reactions.
In addition to acting, Curly dabbled in music, showcasing his versatility. Despite facing health challenges that impacted his career, including strokes, Curly's contributions to comedy have been everlasting. His work with The Three Stooges remains influential, showing the power of comedy as an art form.
Howard had to leave the Three Stooges act in May 1946 when a massive stroke ended his show business career. He suffered serious health problems and several more strokes until his death in 1952 at age 48.
Social Network
Though social media didn't exist during Curly Howard's lifetime, his legacy continues to thrive online. Fans connect through various platforms, sharing memories, clips, and tributes to his work. There are numerous fan pages on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter dedicated to Curly and The Three Stooges, allowing for ongoing conversations and the sharing of nostalgic content.
In 1934, MGM was building Healy up as a solo comedian in feature films, and Moe saw the writing on the wall. Healy alone was under contract to the studio; his Stooges answered to Healy, who paid each of them only $100 a week.
When Healy's lucrative MGM contract was up for renewal on March 6, 1934, Moe proposed that Healy and his stooges should split: "Let's just break up. No hard feelings, no sneaking around. Just a good, clean split." Healy agreed, and left to pursue his own career.
That same year, with "The Three Stooges" as the act's new name, they signed to appear in two-reel comedy short subjects for Columbia Pictures. Their third short, Men in Black, was nominated for the "Best Short Subject" Academy Award.
It lost to the pioneer Technicolor featurette La Cucaracha, but it did establish The Three Stooges as new comedy stars. It also won the Stooges movie-star salaries: Columbia paid each of them $2,500 per short subject (an exceptional sum; Columbia usually paid $500 to $1,000 per short).
The Stooges soon became the studio's most popular short-subject attraction, with Curly playing an integral part in the trio's work.
Education
Curly Howard attended the public schools of Brooklyn, New York, where he developed his comedic skills among peers. However, he was primarily a self-taught performer who honed his craft through experience in vaudeville and the comedy circuit. His time in show business served as an informal education, allowing him to master the art of physical comedy.
* In the children's novel series Captain Underpants and its film adaptation, the elementary school that the main characters attend is named Jerome Horwitz Elementary School, in Howard's honor.
