By Greg Lenburg

Joe (center) shines with Moe and Larry in A Merry Mix Up (1957).

For six decades, comic Joe Besser tickled our funny bones in vaudeville, radio, movies, Broadway, television, and even Saturday morning cartoons. His comic genius was undeniable, spanning a variety of entertainment mediums. Yet, his tenure as the third stooge remains one of the most debated in the storied history of The Three Stooges and, despite a tremendous career that preceded it,  it is his best remembered role today.

When Shemp Howard, the beloved third stooge, passed away suddenly in November 1955, Columbia Pictures faced a dilemma. With four shorts remaining to be produced for 1956, the studio opted, rather than cast a replacement, to remake four Shemp Stooges shorts from the late 1940s featuring stock footage from those films and new footage of mainstay Stooges Moe Howard and Larry Fine with a double (known today as the Fake Shemp). But by 1957, it was clear that if The Three Stooges were to continue, they needed a new third stooge. Enter Joe Besser.

Besser, who was already under contract with Columbia, had a well-established comedic reputation. His childlike, sissy persona had won hearts on radio, in movies, and on television. Despite his extensive comedy experience, the prospect of joining a legendary trio with such a unique dynamic was a daunting one.

Taking a licking in Guns A Poppin! (1957).

Moe, who was the boss of the Stooges onscreen and off and who had the final say in hiring decisions, found Besser’s terms acceptable. Besser was willing to join, provided he could retain his own character and avoid the rough physical antics that characterized the Stooges’ humor. 

Given the fact that Moe and Larry had been injured themselves multiple times while doing their own knockabout antics, Besser’s concerns were certainly not without merit.  And, Moe and Larry we’re "experts" at it.

Despite Joe's initial concerns since he was stepping into the act cold and without any training, as the production of each his Stooges two-reel comedies progressed, he became more comfortable with the Stooges' unique brand of physical antics and began to fit in with the boys.

In adapting to the Stooges' routines, Besser must have had a crystal ball. The changes, made in the team's dynamics during his tenure with the team, prepared them for the future.

Standing up to Moe in Sappy Bullfighters (1959).

That's because, in  the late 1950s, the team’s slapstick comedy would require a major overhaul after their classic films were released to television and were instant hit with children. Due to this, the team had to soften their act, shifting from their traditionally raucous humor to a more family-friendly format following the increased scrutiny from parents and educators who were greatly concerned about the impact of the Stooges’ films’ violence on children. Thus, Besser’s gentler comedic style aligned well with this new direction and paved the way for when burlesque comedian Joe DeRita, who was nicknamed Curly-Joe, would replace Besser as the final third stooge.

However, Besser's tenure was not without its challenges. The shorts produced during this period were often marred by low budgets and recycled footage. Out of the 16 shorts made with Besser, seven were remakes or reworkings of earlier films. This recycling was part of a broader cost-cutting strategy by Columbia, and the resulting product was sometimes seen as weaker compared to the golden days of the Stooges' earlier work.

Rising to new heights as the Third Stooge in Oil's Well That Ends Well (1958).

Despite these hurdles, Besser’s performances were far from the disaster some critics or fans might suggest. His ability to adapt and inject fresh energy into the Stooges’ act cannot be underestimated nor overlooked. The shorts with Besser were well-received by audiences and proved that he could hold his own, delivering laughs even under less-than-ideal circumstances. His presence, although brief, brought a new vitality to the team, which was precisely what was needed at the time.

Historians and some fans alike have sometimes labeled Besser as the “worst” Stooge, a term that fails to capture the nuances of his contribution. Just as fans have their favorite member of the Beatles, every Stooge fan has his or her champions. Besser was simply the right stooge for a challenging period, stepping in when the team needed him most.  He did so a favor to the boys--who were in a real predicament-- and out his love and respect for his dear friend, Shemp.

Joe Besser deserves recognition for his role in the Three Stooges' legacy. His stint with the team might not have been as celebrated as those of Moe, Larry, Curly, or Shemp, but his contribution was significant. As Columbia Pictures aptly put it when Besser joined the team, he indeed added a “brand new sparkle” to the trio.

His brief but impactful role in the Three Stooges' history should be remembered not for the challenges he and the team faced but for the joy he brought to audiences during a pivotal time. His comedic talent and willingness to adapt ensured that The Three Stooges continued to make us laugh, proving that he was indeed the right third Stooge at the right time.