How Joe became a stooge began around Christmas of 1956. Joe, who was already a beloved star on radio, film, and television, stepped in to fill the big shoes of his dear friend Shemp Howard as the third stooge. 

Known for his impressive stint in the 1940s and '50s with three starring features and 11 short-subjects, Besser, who was also under contract at Columbia Pictures, brought his unique flair to the iconic trio. With a new two-year contract, he helped create 16 additional Stooges shorts from 1957 to 1959. 

While these shorts continued to be shown on television in the 2000s, namely on MeTV and MeTV+, they were also included on ThreeStooges+, an ultimate streaming TV channel launched by C3 Entertainment in 2024, available, for the first time 24/7, on various streaming platforms.

For a complete look at Joe's Stooges adventures, buy a copy of his updated autobiography, Once a Stooge, Always a Stooge. Joe's book is available in hardcover, paperback, Kindle, audiobook (Audible) (Google Play) and e-book editions.