Curly Howard’s journey in comedy has made him an iconic figure in Hollywood. Best known as one of the legendary members of The Three Stooges, Curly’s life wasn’t just about laughter—it was also marked by intriguing financial ups and downs.
If you’re curious about Curly Howard net worth and how his wealth shaped his career, keep reading. We’ll dive deep into the financial aspects of his life, from his time in the spotlight to his personal financial struggles.
Curly Howard Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Jerome Lester Horwitz |
| Popular Name | Curly Howard |
| Birth Date | October 22, 1903 |
| Age | Died: January 18, 1952 (age 48 years) |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Lithuanian Jewish |
| Education | Did not graduate high school |
| Marital Status | Married 4 times |
| Spouse | Julia Rosenthal (m. 1930; div. 1931) Elaine Ackerman (m. 1937; div. 1940) Marion Buxbaum (m. 1945; div. 1946) Valerie Newman (m. 1947) |
| Children | Janie Howard, Marilyn Howard |
| Dating | Several relationships |
| Siblings | Moe Howard, Shemp Howard, and others |
| Parents | Jennie (Gorovitz) and Solomon Horwitz |
| Height | 1.65 m |
| Net Worth | $1 million (at time of death, 1952) |
| Source of Wealth | Acting, Comedy (The Three Stooges) |
What is the Net Worth of Curly Howard in 2025?
Curly Howard’s net worth at the time of his death in 1952 was estimated at $1 million, which is roughly equivalent to $10 million in today’s money. Despite his impressive earnings through The Three Stooges, his later years were financially difficult due to personal spending habits and health issues.
Though he left behind a legendary legacy, Curly’s wealth was not without challenges.
Compared to other comedians like Moe Howard and Larry Fine, Curly’s financial situation was a reflection of the unpredictability that often came with fame in Hollywood.
However, when compared to other richest celebrities of his era, Curly’s net worth remains significant, especially considering the constant financial struggles of entertainers during that time.
Other related people:
- Moe Howard
- Shemp Howard
- Larry Fine
- Ted Healy
- George Raft
- Joe Besser
- Joe DeRita
- Norman Maurer
Curly Howard Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
Role in The Three Stooges
Curly Howard’s career took off when he became a member of The Three Stooges, a legendary comedy trio. Curly, with his unique blend of physical comedy and high-pitched voice, became an integral part of their success. The Three Stooges made nearly 200 comedy shorts for Columbia Pictures, with Curly’s performances driving much of the group’s popularity.
During the early years of the trio, Curly’s salary was modest but grew as the group became more successful. At their peak, The Three Stooges were paid significantly for their short films, and Curly’s comedic contributions were at the forefront of their earnings. His style became synonymous with the trio’s identity, and he played a huge role in boosting the financial rewards the group earned.
The Salary Structure for The Three Stooges
The Three Stooges were paid a significant salary for their work in the 1930s and 1940s. Each member, including Curly, earned around $2,500 per short film, a remarkable sum for the time. While this amount may seem modest by today’s standards, it was a high wage for comedy shorts in the early years of cinema.
Despite the significant earnings from their films, Curly’s personal financial management wasn’t always in line with his income. His extravagant lifestyle and spending habits often led to financial strain. Nonetheless, his salary and success in the trio helped establish him as one of the most well-paid comedians of his time.
Personal Finances and Spending
Curly Howard’s wealth, while substantial, was often overshadowed by his personal spending habits. He was known for his excessive lifestyle, indulging in alcohol, real estate, and personal relationships that often strained his finances. His brother, Moe Howard, stepped in to manage his finances at times, but Curly’s financial troubles continued throughout his life.
At one point, Curly even sold his home to purchase another one on the advice of a real estate agent. His impulsive financial decisions, combined with his declining health, meant that Curly didn’t build a lasting financial legacy despite his fame.
How Curly Howard’s Health Affected His Financial Stability
As Curly Howard’s health began to decline, so did his financial stability. In 1946, Curly suffered a massive stroke, which led to his departure from The Three Stooges. This stroke not only ended his career but also took a toll on his ability to manage finances. The strokes, along with hypertension and obesity, meant that Curly’s earning potential was significantly reduced during the latter years of his life.
Despite multiple hospital stays and medical treatments, Curly’s declining health meant fewer opportunities for him to earn money. His personal finances were heavily affected by these health issues, and his wealth started to diminish.
Marriages and Their Financial Impact
Curly Howard had four marriages, and his financial life was deeply impacted by these unions. His first marriage, to Julia Rosenthal, ended quickly, but the financial toll of his subsequent marriages, especially the short-lived marriage to Marion Buxbaum, contributed to his financial struggles.
Though Curly’s relationships often drew attention, they also created turmoil in his financial life. His marriages were frequently marked by significant public scrutiny, and the stress of divorces only added to the financial burden Curly faced.
Family and Children’s Influence on His Wealth
Curly’s family life, including his two daughters, added both joy and financial responsibility to his life. While Curly was known to care deeply for his family, he was also known for his impulsive spending on women and personal luxuries. The responsibility of raising his children and maintaining his lifestyle while dealing with his financial troubles only added to the complexity of his wealth.
Despite the struggles, Curly’s family remained an important part of his life, and his financial decisions were influenced by both his professional career and personal relationships.
Career Decline Due to Health Issues
Curly Howard’s career ended prematurely due to the strokes he suffered in the 1940s. His inability to perform meant that he could no longer contribute to The Three Stooges’ financial success. His health issues led to a significant loss of income, which ultimately meant that Curly’s financial situation became precarious.
The trio continued on with Shemp Howard as Curly’s replacement, but the loss of Curly was felt both emotionally and financially within the group. The remaining members of The Three Stooges faced challenges, and Curly’s absence marked the beginning of a slow decline in their financial earnings.
Conclusion
Curly Howard’s financial journey, marked by both success and struggle, offers a unique glimpse into the life of one of comedy’s most iconic figures. Though his wealth did not reach the heights it could have due to personal and health challenges, his legacy endures.
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