By admin 
Paul Howard, the devoted son of legendary comedian Moe Howard of The Three Stooges, passed away peacefully earlier this week in his Manhattan home at the age of 91. His passing marks the end of an era for the iconic comedy troupe, as Paul dedicated a significant portion of his life to preserving and celebrating the enduring legacy of his father and his comedic brethren. Throughout his life, Paul Howard served as a steadfast guardian of Moe Howard’s celebrated history, a role he embraced with passion and authenticity. He was a familiar and beloved figure at countless Three Stooges conventions and fan gatherings across the nation. At these events, he would regale generations of enthusiasts with his personal anecdotes, intimate family memories, and profound insights into the daily life and professional endeavors of Moe Howard, offering a rare and cherished glimpse behind the curtain of comedy history. His presence provided a direct link to the golden age of slapstick, allowing fans to connect with the man and the legend on a deeply personal level.
Paul Howard’s commitment to sharing his father’s story culminated in his impactful role as host and executive producer of the acclaimed nine-episode docuseries, “Hey Moe, Hey Dad!” released in 2015. This ambitious project meticulously chronicled the remarkable legacy of The Three Stooges, weaving together a rich tapestry of archival footage, deeply personal family accounts, and insightful interviews. The series featured poignant contributions from family members of all the core Stooges, including Moe Howard, Larry Fine, Curly Howard, Shemp Howard, and Curly Joe DeRita, offering a comprehensive and multi-faceted perspective on their unparalleled contributions to comedy. Beyond the immediate family circle, “Hey Moe, Hey Dad!” also boasted compelling interviews with a distinguished roster of celebrity fans, including the effervescent Whoopi Goldberg, the versatile voice actor Billy West, and the esteemed film historian Leonard Maltin. Their participation underscored the profound and lasting impact The Three Stooges have had on popular culture and the entertainment industry, transcending generations and genres. The docuseries itself stands as a testament to Paul Howard’s dedication, providing an invaluable resource for both long-time fans and newcomers eager to understand the magic and enduring appeal of this beloved comedy act.
The narrative of Paul Howard’s own arrival into the world is as colorful and eventful as the comedy his father was famous for. His niece, Tessa Maurer, graciously shared an excerpt from her mother, Joan Howard Maurer’s, poignant memoir, “Growing Up Stooge,” which vividly recounts the circumstances surrounding Paul’s birth. The passage reveals Moe Howard’s deep paternal longing: "Dad [Moe] always wanted a son; someone he could take fishing and with whom he could play baseball." This dream was realized in late 1934 when his wife, Helen, informed him of her pregnancy. Moe’s characteristic humor shone through his immediate, albeit boisterous, reaction: "Honey, if it’s a boy, they’ll have to drag me out of the gutter, I’ll be so drunk." This declaration, delivered with a wink and a smile, encapsulated the immense joy and anticipation that filled the Howard household.
Helen Howard, a woman of considerable foresight and logistical skill, strategically timed Paul’s birth to coincide with a vaudeville tour Moe was undertaking in the East. This arrangement allowed her to deliver their son at the esteemed Doctor’s Hospital in New York City. The excerpt continues: "Mother timed Paul’s birth to a vaudeville tour in the east so she could give birth to Paul at Doctor’s Hospital in New York. … On July 8, 1935, eight years after I was born, Dad’s dream became a reality when my brother Paul was born." This precise planning ensured that Moe, despite his demanding professional schedule, would be able to share in this momentous occasion.
The emotional tenor of the events leading up to Paul’s birth was palpable. As Joan Howard Maurer’s account reveals, Moe was a bundle of nerves: "Dad was a nervous wreck the entire time." The telegram Helen sent from the hospital, announcing the arrival of their son, perfectly captured the blend of paternal anxiety and elation: "IT’S A GORGEOUS 8 POUND BOY BORN NINE FORTY-FIVE AM. KEEP OUT OF THE GUTTER…LOVE= HELEN." This playful admonition, referencing Moe’s earlier jest, likely brought a smile to his face amidst the whirlwind of emotions. Moe’s reaction upon receiving the news was one of overwhelming happiness, a stark contrast to his joking prediction. As the book recounts: "Dad, who did not drink, was drunk with glee. Though I know he loved me, he was so proud to have a son. Paul was actually born two blocks away from where he lives today in the Yorkville section of Manhattan." This poignant detail highlights the serendipitous geographical connection between Paul’s birth and his lifelong residence, adding another layer of sentiment to his story.
In a twist of fate that seemed ripped from the pages of a Three Stooges screenplay, the days surrounding Paul’s birth were marked by both genuine fear and unexpected, almost farcical, humor. Shortly after Helen and baby Paul were discharged from the hospital, Moe embarked on a hurried journey to bring them home. The narrative takes a dramatic turn as Moe, driving a rented car through a torrential Manhattan downpour, found himself caught in a terrifying situation. Accompanied by his pregnant sister-in-law, Aunt Clarice, who was seven months along, and her husband, Uncle Harry Seiden, Moe’s drive took a perilous turn. The excerpt vividly describes the harrowing accident: "Suddenly he skidded out of control and slammed into a very tall cement lamppost knocking it from its foundation. The post fell with a thunderous crash across the hood of the car, smashing the windshield and injuring Dad. He sustained several cuts on his face from the shards of shattered glass and a black eye from the impact. My aunt and uncle, seated in the back seat, fortunately escaped serious injury." The image of Moe, the iconic comedian known for his resilience in the face of physical comedy, sustaining actual injuries in such a dramatic fashion, is striking.
The immediate aftermath of the car crash plunged Moe into an even more surreal and chaotic scenario. As the shock of the accident began to subside, a far more urgent and unexpected event unfolded: Aunt Clarice’s water suddenly broke. The sheer absurdity of the situation, occurring moments after a near-fatal accident, struck Moe profoundly. His reaction, as described in the text, was one of incredulous amusement: "Dad laughed hysterically. ‘This only happens in a Stooge comedy.’" This moment, where real-life drama collided with the outlandishness of his professional life, served as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of existence, and perhaps, a testament to the Howard family’s unique ability to find humor even in the most challenging circumstances.
The chaotic sequence of events continued as Moe, injured and shaken, was rushed to the hospital emergency room for treatment, while Aunt Clarice was immediately taken to the delivery room. The excerpt details the subsequent delivery: "Dad was rushed to the hospital emergency room for treatment and my aunt into the delivery room where she delivered my cousin Carole two months prematurely." Helen’s reaction upon seeing her husband, bearing the visible marks of the accident, was one of initial shock, quickly followed by a touch of Moe’s characteristic wit. The text concludes this remarkable anecdote: "Mother was shocked to see my father, sporting a black eye and cuts on his face. Explaining himself, Dad joked, ‘This didn’t happen on stage stooging around.’" This exchange beautifully encapsulates the blend of familial love, shared experience, and the enduring spirit of humor that defined the Howard family.
Paul Howard is survived by his devoted wife, Joanne, and their loving daughter, Jennifer. His legacy, however, extends far beyond his immediate family. Through his tireless efforts to share his father’s story and the history of The Three Stooges, Paul ensured that the laughter and antics of Moe, Larry, and Curly would continue to bring joy to audiences for generations to come. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of many who knew him and admired his dedication to keeping the spirit of his father’s comedic genius alive. His life’s work stands as a profound tribute to the enduring power of laughter and the indelible mark The Three Stooges have left on the landscape of popular entertainment.
