Joe Besser
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Born Name:
Jessel Besser
Born Date: August 12, 1907
Born Place: St. Louis, Missouri
Died Date: March 1, 1988
Died Place: North Hollywood, California
Occupations: Actor, comedian, musician
Brief Biography: Joe Besser was an American comedian and actor known for his distinct "impish" and whiny persona. While today he is most famously remembered as a member of The Three Stooges, he enjoyed a prolific 60-year career spanning vaudeville, Broadway, radio, and television.
Early Life and Career:
Stowaway Start: Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Besser's interest in magic led him to sneak into the trunk of world-famous magician Howard Thurston at age 12. After being discovered, he was allowed to stay as an assistant but was moved to "comic mishap" roles after accidentally botching a trick.
Vaudeville to Broadway: He became a headliner on the vaudeville circuit and eventually moved to the Broadway stage, performing in shows like Sons o' Fun.
Signature Style: He developed a trademark character of a whiny, temper-fueled wimp, often using catchphrases like "Not so faaaast!" and "I'll harm you!".
Major Career Roles:
"Stinky" on The Abbott and Costello Show: Besser played Oswald (nicknamed "Stinky"), a bratty man-child in a Little Lord Fauntleroy suit. He was a frequent foil for Lou Costello, often threatening to "harm" him.
The Three Stooges (1956–1958): Following the death of Shemp Howard, Besser joined The Three Stooges for 16 short subjects. Unlike other Stooges, Besser famously had a clause in his contract that he was not to be hit more than necessary; often, Larry Fine took the physical punishment instead.
The Joey Bishop Show: He portrayed Mr. Jillson, the building maintenance man, for four seasons in the early 1960s.
Voice Acting: Later in his career, he provided voices for several Saturday morning cartoons, most notably as Babu the Genie in Hanna-Barbera's Jeannie.
Born Date: August 12, 1907
Born Place: St. Louis, Missouri
Died Date: March 1, 1988
Died Place: North Hollywood, California
Occupations: Actor, comedian, musician
Brief Biography: Joe Besser was an American comedian and actor known for his distinct "impish" and whiny persona. While today he is most famously remembered as a member of The Three Stooges, he enjoyed a prolific 60-year career spanning vaudeville, Broadway, radio, and television.
Early Life and Career:
Stowaway Start: Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Besser's interest in magic led him to sneak into the trunk of world-famous magician Howard Thurston at age 12. After being discovered, he was allowed to stay as an assistant but was moved to "comic mishap" roles after accidentally botching a trick.
Vaudeville to Broadway: He became a headliner on the vaudeville circuit and eventually moved to the Broadway stage, performing in shows like Sons o' Fun.
Signature Style: He developed a trademark character of a whiny, temper-fueled wimp, often using catchphrases like "Not so faaaast!" and "I'll harm you!".
Major Career Roles:
"Stinky" on The Abbott and Costello Show: Besser played Oswald (nicknamed "Stinky"), a bratty man-child in a Little Lord Fauntleroy suit. He was a frequent foil for Lou Costello, often threatening to "harm" him.
The Three Stooges (1956–1958): Following the death of Shemp Howard, Besser joined The Three Stooges for 16 short subjects. Unlike other Stooges, Besser famously had a clause in his contract that he was not to be hit more than necessary; often, Larry Fine took the physical punishment instead.
The Joey Bishop Show: He portrayed Mr. Jillson, the building maintenance man, for four seasons in the early 1960s.
Voice Acting: Later in his career, he provided voices for several Saturday morning cartoons, most notably as Babu the Genie in Hanna-Barbera's Jeannie.