Besser), 1956-1958
* "Curly Joe" DeRita (born Joseph Wardell), 1958-1970

The act began in 1922 as part of a vaudeville comedy act consisting originally of Ted Healy and Moe Howard. Over time, they were joined by Moe's brother, Shemp Howard, and then Larry Fine. The troupe became known as "Ted Healy and His Stooges" ("stooges" being a show-business term for on-stage assistants). The foursome appeared in one feature film, Soup to Nuts,