Jerome "Curly" Howard, the portly, bald Stooge renowned for his distinctive high-pitched voice, was the most beloved and iconic member of the legendary comedy trio, The Three Stooges. His initial foray into the world of entertainment commenced as a comedic conductor for the Orville Knapp Band in 1928, laying the groundwork for his future success. In 1932, Curly joined the esteemed ranks of The Three Stooges, succeeding his brother Shemp Howard, and went on to make over one hundred film appearances alongside his partners, etching his name in the annals of comedy history.
Despite his immense popularity and enduring impact, Curly's remarkable career was tragically cut short due to a massive stroke he suffered on the set of Half-Wits Holiday in 1947, prompting his retirement from the entertainment industry. Although he was able to make a brief comeback in Hold That Lion! the same year, his subsequent health declined significantly due to a series of additional strokes, ultimately leading to his untimely passing at the age of 48.