The Real Height Of The Three Stooges: Moe, Larry, And Curly

Author Mary J. Goldsberry 14 Apr 2025

When you think about the Three Stooges, you’re probably imagining their slapstick humor, wild antics, and those unforgettable facial expressions. But have you ever wondered about the height of the Three Stooges? Yep, we’re diving deep into the physical stats of Moe Howard, Larry Fine, and Curly Howard, the iconic trio that brought chaos and laughter to generations. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious, this article will uncover everything you need to know about their heights and more!

Let’s be honest, the Three Stooges weren’t exactly known for their towering presence on screen. Their comedy was all about timing, energy, and sheer absurdity. But for those who are into trivia or just want to geek out over details, knowing the height of the Three Stooges can add another layer of appreciation. So, grab your measuring tape (or not), because we’re about to break it down for you!

Now, before we jump into the nitty-gritty, let’s set the scene. The Three Stooges were a comedy act that started in the early 1900s and became a pop culture phenomenon. Their unique style of humor has stood the test of time, and even today, people still quote their catchphrases and laugh at their classic routines. So, without further ado, let’s get into the details of their heights and see how they stack up!

Who Were the Three Stooges?

For those who might not know, the Three Stooges were a comedy act that originated in vaudeville and transitioned to film and television. The original lineup featured Moe Howard, Larry Fine, and Curly Howard. Over time, other members joined the group, but these three are the ones most people think of when they hear the name “Three Stooges.”

These guys weren’t just entertainers; they were pioneers in the world of comedy. Their routines were a mix of physical comedy, wordplay, and improvisation. And while their height might not have been a major part of their act, it’s still an interesting factoid for fans to know.

Biography of the Three Stooges

Before we dive into their heights, let’s take a quick look at their backgrounds. Here’s a snapshot of their lives:

Moe Howard: Born Moses Harry Horwitz on June 19, 1897, in Brooklyn, New York. Moe was the de facto leader of the group and known for his sharp wit and no-nonsense attitude. He was the only Stooge to appear in all 190 short films.

Larry Fine: Born Louis Feinberg on October 5, 1902, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Larry was the lovable middleman of the group, always ready with a smile and a joke. His curly hair and violin-playing skills made him a fan favorite.

Curly Howard: Born Jerome Lester Horwitz on October 22, 1903, in Brooklyn, New York. Curly was the wild card of the group, known for his high-energy antics and catchphrases like “Nyuk nyuk nyuk!” and “Soitenly!”

Biodata of the Three Stooges

Name	Birthdate	Height	Role
Moe Howard	June 19, 1897	5'7" (170 cm)	Leader
Larry Fine	October 5, 1902	5'7" (170 cm)	Middleman
Curly Howard	October 22, 1903	5'4" (163 cm)	Wild Card

The Height of the Three Stooges: Breaking It Down

Alright, let’s get to the good stuff. How tall were the Three Stooges? As you can see from the table above, Moe Howard and Larry Fine were both 5’7” (170 cm), while Curly Howard was a bit shorter at 5’4” (163 cm). Now, these heights might not seem impressive by today’s standards, but back in the early 20th century, they were pretty average.

Interestingly, their height differences played a role in their on-screen dynamics. Moe, being the tallest, often took the lead role, while Larry and Curly were the ones getting into trouble. It’s almost like their physical stature mirrored their characters—Moe was the grounded one, Larry was the fun-loving sidekick, and Curly was the unpredictable wildcard.

Why Does Height Matter?

You might be wondering, “Why does the height of the Three Stooges even matter?” Well, for fans, it’s all about knowing the little details that make the trio unique. Plus, when you’re watching their antics on screen, it’s fun to notice how their height differences add to the comedy.

For example, in some of their routines, you’ll see Moe towering over Curly, which adds to the visual humor. And while their height might not have been a selling point, it definitely contributed to their charm.

How Did Their Height Affect Their Comedy?

While the Three Stooges weren’t exactly tall, their height didn’t hold them back from becoming comedy legends. In fact, their physical presence was a perfect match for their slapstick style. Imagine Moe delivering a pie to the face or Curly getting tangled up in a ladder—these moments wouldn’t have been as funny if they were towering giants!

Their height also played into their characterizations. Moe, being the tallest, often took on the role of the bossy older brother. Larry, being the same height as Moe, was the perfect foil for his antics. And Curly, being the shortest, was the one who always got the brunt of the jokes. It’s almost like their height differences were written into the script!

Fun Facts About Their Height

Moe Howard was actually the tallest of the three, standing at 5’7”.
Curly Howard was the shortest, standing at just 5’4”.
Larry Fine was also 5’7”, making him the same height as Moe.
Despite their height differences, they worked seamlessly together, creating some of the funniest moments in comedy history.

Other Members of the Three Stooges

Of course, Moe, Larry, and Curly weren’t the only members of the Three Stooges. Over the years, other Stooges joined the group, including Shemp Howard, Curly Joe DeRita, and Joe Besser. While we’re focusing on the original trio, it’s worth noting that their heights varied as well.

For example, Shemp Howard, Moe’s older brother, was also 5’7”, making him the same height as Moe and Larry. Curly Joe DeRita was 5’6”, and Joe Besser was 5’5”. So, while the heights varied slightly, the overall dynamic remained the same.

Shemp Howard: The Replacement Stooge

After Curly Howard left the group due to health issues, his older brother Shemp stepped in. Shemp was a natural fit, not just because of his height but because of his comedic timing. Standing at 5’7”, Shemp was the same height as Moe and Larry, which helped maintain the visual balance of the group.

Why the Three Stooges Were So Popular

Now that we’ve covered their heights, let’s talk about why the Three Stooges were so beloved. Their humor was universal, appealing to people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you were a kid or an adult, you couldn’t help but laugh at their antics.

Part of their appeal was their ability to make people forget about their problems, even if just for a few minutes. In a world full of chaos and uncertainty, the Three Stooges provided a much-needed escape. And while their height might not have been a defining factor, it definitely added to their charm.

The Legacy of the Three Stooges

Decades after their heyday, the Three Stooges continue to entertain new generations. Their films and TV shows are still widely available, and their influence can be seen in modern comedians and performers. From Saturday Night Live skits to modern slapstick comedies, the Three Stooges’ legacy lives on.

How the Three Stooges Compare to Other Comedians

When it comes to physical comedy, the Three Stooges were in a league of their own. But how do they compare to other comedians of their era? Well, for starters, their height wasn’t exactly unique. Many comedians of the time were average or below-average in height, which made their physical comedy even funnier.

For example, Charlie Chaplin was only 5’5”, and Buster Keaton was 5’6”. Both of these comedians used their height to great effect, just like the Three Stooges. It’s almost like being shorter made them more relatable and approachable to their audiences.

Modern Comedians and Height

In today’s world, height isn’t necessarily a factor in comedy. Some of the biggest comedians today, like Chris Rock and Kevin Hart, are shorter than average, while others, like Jim Carrey and Adam Sandler, are taller. What matters most is their ability to make people laugh, and the Three Stooges proved that height doesn’t matter when it comes to comedy.

Conclusion: The Height of the Three Stooges

So, there you have it—the height of the Three Stooges, broken down in all its glory. Moe Howard and Larry Fine were both 5’7”, while Curly Howard was a bit shorter at 5’4”. While their height might not have been a defining factor in their comedy, it definitely added to their charm and on-screen dynamics.

As fans of the Three Stooges, we can appreciate their contributions to comedy without worrying about their physical stats. After all, it’s their talent, energy, and humor that made them legends. So, the next time you watch one of their films, keep an eye out for their height differences—they might just make you laugh even harder!

And hey, if you enjoyed this article, don’t forget to share it with your friends. Who knows? You might just spark a conversation about the height of the Three Stooges—or better yet, their timeless humor!