Nyuk, Nyuk, Nyuk! Hardcore Fans Of The Three Stooges Need To Know These Facts

Joe Besser

From 1956 to 1958, Joe Besser was a member of the Stooges. The St. Louis native was best known for playing Mr. Jillson on “The Joey Bishop Show.” He also landed several voice roles in “Shirt Tales,” “Yogi’s Space Race,” and “The Houndcats.”

He was fascinated by show business as a youngster and was adamant about working in the industry. He tried to join Howard Thurston’s magic show when he was 12 years old and ended up making the audience laugh instead of being amazed. So they stuck him with the comedy acts. Sadly, Besser died from heart failure at the age of 80, in 1988.