When Curly suffered a debilitating stroke in May 1946, Shemp returned, reinstating the original lineup until Shemp's death in November, 1955. He was replaced by his brother Curly and the trio became The Three Stooges. This threesome did one feature film entitled Soup to Nuts before Shemp left to pursue a solo career. The act started as Ted Healy and his Southern Gentlemen, consisting of Moe Howard, his brother Shemp, and Larry Fine.
In films, the Stooges were commonly known by their first names: 'Moe, Larry, and Curly' or 'Moe, Larry, and Shemp,' among other lineups. Their hallmark was physical farce and extreme slapstick. The Three Stooges were an American vaudeville and comedy act of the early to mid–20th century best known for their numerous short subject films.
