Moe Howard

Moe Howard (June 19, 1897 – May 4, 1975) was an American actor and comedian best known as the leader and straight man of the Three Stooges, the iconic slapstick comedy trio that produced over 190 short films for Columbia Pictures between 1934 and 1957. Born Moses Harry Horwitz in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, New York, to Jewish immigrant parents Solomon and Jennie Horwitz, he was the fourth of five sons, including brothers Shemp and Jerome (later known as Curly), who also became Stooges members. Howard's signature look featured a bowl haircut and a stern demeanor, often delivering eye pokes, slaps, and exasperated commands like calling his cohorts "knuckleheads" during their chaotic routines.

Howard's career in entertainment began early, with bit roles in silent films at Vitagraph Studios starting in 1909, though many early works were lost in a 1910 studio fire. He briefly attended Erasmus High School before dropping out to pursue acting full-time, later joining comedian Ted Healy's vaudeville act around 1922, where he performed alongside his brother Shemp and violinist Larry Fine. The group formalized as the Three Stooges in 1930 after appearing in Healy's film Soup to Nuts, but they soon parted ways with him and signed with Columbia in 1934, replacing Shemp with Curly and launching a prolific run of two-reel comedies that defined their legacy. Notable shorts included the Academy Award-nominated Men in Black (1934) and wartime efforts like You Nazty Spy! (1940), the first Hollywood production to satirize Adolf Hitler.

Moses Harry Horwitz, known professionally as Moe Howard, was born on June 19, 1897, in the Bensonhurst neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. His parents were Lithuanian Jewish immigrants Solomon Horwitz, a clothing cutter in the garment trade, and Jennie (née Gorovitz) Horwitz, who managed the household. The couple had immigrated to the United States around 1890, seeking better opportunities amid the hardships faced by Eastern European Jews.

As the fourth of five sons in a working-class family, Moe grew up alongside brothers Irving (born 1891), Benjamin (known as Jack, born 1893), Samuel (Shemp, born 1895), and the youngest, Jerome (Curly, born 1903). Solomon's modest business often struggled to support the large household, reflecting the economic challenges common among immigrant families in early 20th-century Brooklyn, while Jennie provided stability through her homemaking role. The brothers shared a close bond, with the family navigating financial uncertainties in their urban Jewish community.

Philanthropy played a significant role in Howard's life, particularly his commitment to children's causes. He served as a member and three-time president of the Spastic Children's Guild starting in 1944, donating time, funds, and personal appearances—often as Santa Claus—to support children with cerebral palsy. His dedication earned him an engraved Hamilton wristwatch from the guild, inscribed "For Many Years Of Unselfish Devotion." Howard also contributed to Jewish charities and supported performers through unions like the Screen Actors Guild (SAG).