Who Is Joe DeRita? Age, Biography and Wiki
Joe DeRita, famously known as "Curly Joe," was born in Brooklyn, New York. He passed away on July 3, 1993, at the age of 83. His career spanned several decades, and he became a well-loved figure in American comedy, especially during the golden age of television and film. DeRita's unique style and comedic timing made him a favorite among fans of classic comedy. He is most notable for stepping in as the third Stooge, following the iconic Curly Howard and Shemp Howard.
| Occupation | Voice Actors |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 12, 1909 |
| Age | 83 Years |
| Birth Place | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 3 July, 1993 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Joe DeRita's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific measurements for Joe DeRita during his lifetime are not widely documented, it is estimated that he stood around 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall and had a weight of approximately 170 lbs (77 kg). His physical appearance, characterized by a round face and playful demeanor, contributed greatly to his comedic persona as part of The Three Stooges.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Joe DeRita married his wife, Mabel DeRita, although details about their relationship have remained relatively private. Throughout his life, DeRita was known to be a family man who valued his personal relationships. While not much is documented about his dating life outside of his marriage, it is clear that his bond with Mabel played an important role in his life, providing him with support throughout his career.
He was the youngest of 5 brothers. Wardell's father was a stage technician, his mother a professional stage dancer, and the three often acted on stage together from his early childhood. Taking his mother's maiden name, DeRita, the actor joined the burlesque circuit during the 1920s, gaining fame as a comedian.
During World War II, DeRita joined the USO, performing throughout Britain, France, and the Pacific with such celebrities as Bing Crosby and Randolph Scott.
In the 1944 comedy film The Doughgirls, about the housing shortage in wartime Washington, D.C., he had an uncredited role as "the Stranger", a bewildered man who repeatedly showed up in scenes looking for a place to sleep.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Joe DeRita's estimated net worth was approximately $5 million. His earnings primarily came from his work in film and television, particularly as a member of The Three Stooges. His contributions to the comedy genre significantly bolstered his financial status, and whole generations continue to celebrate his work, suggesting that his legacy remains valuable.
Career, Business and Investments
Joe DeRita's career took off in the late 1940s when he joined The Three Stooges, ultimately making significant contributions to the series through various films and television shows. Aside from his role as Curly Joe, DeRita was involved in stage shows and touring comedy acts, showcasing his comedic talents to live audiences.
In addition to his career in entertainment, DeRita had some minor investments, particularly in the real estate sector. His involvement in the comedy scene opened several doors, allowing him to engage in business opportunities that leveraged his public persona.
Social Network
Even though social media did not exist during Joe DeRita's lifetime, his legacy continues on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, where fans and groups dedicated to The Three Stooges share clips, anecdotes, and memorabilia related to his career. Vintage video materials of DeRita's works remain available on YouTube, allowing new audiences to discover and appreciate his comedic genius.
It was rumored that Jules White had attempted to recruit DeRita for the Three Stooges in 1955 because he wanted "another Curly", but that strong-willed DeRita had refused to change his act or imitate another performer, and White eventually gave up on him. DeRita himself debunked the rumor, saying that it "added a romance to the story".
When he first joined the act, shortly after appearing in a dramatic role in the Gregory Peck Western, The Bravados, DeRita wore his hair in a style similar to that of former Stooge Shemp Howard and did so during initial live stage performances.
However, with the restored popularity of the Three Stooges shorts on TV featuring Curly Howard, it was suggested that Joe shave his head in order to look more like Curly. At first, DeRita sported a crew cut; this eventually became a fully shaven head.
Because of his physical resemblance to both Curly and Joe Besser, and to avoid confusion with his predecessors, DeRita was renamed "Curly Joe".
Education
Details about Joe DeRita's formal education remain scarce, but it is known that his inclination toward performing arts blossomed in his early years. DeRita's natural talent and enthusiasm for entertaining others paved the way for a flourishing career in comedy, highlighting that sometimes, raw talent can triumph over formal educational credentials.
