1 Week Before Death, Moe From 3 Stooges Broke Silence On Curly And It’s Bad
In the final week of his life, Moe Howard, the last surviving member of The Three Stooges, broke decades of silence and revealed the haunting truth about his brother Curly. For years, fans wondered why Curly, the beloved clown of the trio, vanished from the spotlight at the height of his fame. Rumors abounded, but no one knew the real story—until Moe’s emotional confession.
The Three Stooges were an iconic comedy act, with Moe as the tough leader, Larry as the easygoing middleman, and Curly, born Jerome Lester Horwitz, as the wild heart of the group. Curly’s physical comedy, high-pitched voice, and unpredictable antics made him a star, but off-camera, he was a shy, gentle soul unsuited for the pressures of Hollywood.
Curly’s entry into the act was unexpected. When Shemp Howard left, Moe’s younger brother Curly stepped in, shaving his hair and mustache to fit the comedic image. Instantly, Curly’s natural instincts lit up the stage, and directors learned to let the camera roll and follow his improvisations. Yet, behind the scenes, Curly struggled with anxiety, insecurity, and the constant demands of fame.
As the group’s success soared, so did the pressure. Grueling schedules and physical routines took their toll. Moe noticed Curly missing cues, forgetting lines, and losing his once-brilliant timing. The spark in Curly’s eyes began to dim, and his health declined. Curly’s weight fluctuated, and he became withdrawn, battling depression and unstable relationships.
By the early 1940s, Curly was only in his late 30s but moved like a much older man. He suffered from high blood pressure, gained weight, and began showing signs of serious illness. His speech slurred, stunts slowed, and he often appeared dazed on set. Moe realized Curly was experiencing strokes and neurological decline, but the studio demanded the show go on.
Columbia Pictures kept pushing the Stooges to produce more shorts, even as Curly’s health collapsed. On May 6, 1946, during filming, Curly suffered a massive stroke at age 42. He was left partially paralyzed and unable to speak, ending his career and identity as an entertainer. Shemp returned to the act, but the chemistry was never the same; Curly’s unique energy was irreplaceable.
Curly’s life after fame was tragic. He moved between hospitals and institutions, suffering further strokes and cognitive decline. Moe stayed loyal, visiting often, but admitted he barely recognized his brother in his final years. Curly’s emotional instability and confusion made relationships difficult, and he spent his last years isolated and broken.
For decades, Moe kept up the illusion for fans, telling the public Curly was “resting” or “taking time off,” while privately grieving the loss. It wasn’t until the early 1970s, as Moe’s own health failed, that he finally spoke out. In his final interviews, Moe admitted the truth: Curly was tormented, overwhelmed by fame, and neglected by the industry. He confessed that the studio pushed Curly past his limits, and that he, as leader, felt deep guilt for not being able to help.
Moe’s last words were not just a tribute, but a warning. He urged future performers not to sacrifice their health for applause, and revealed the pain behind the punchlines. Curly was more than a clown—he was a brother and a generous soul destroyed by the demands of show business. Moe’s confession changed how the world remembered Curly, revealing the tragedy behind the laughter and the cost of comedy’s greatest act.
