Joe Besser (August 12, 1907 – March 1, 1988) was a unique force in American comedy, known for an “impish” and whiny persona that carved out a distinct niche in vaudeville, film, and television. Born Jessel Besser in St. Louis, Missouri, he began his career as a musician and comedian, eventually finding a home in the fast-paced, “anything-can-happen” Broadway revues of Olsen and Johnson. His ability to deliver noisy, zany intrusions made him a standout, leading to a theatrical contract with the Shubert brothers and eventually a move to Hollywood in 1944. At Columbia Pictures, he transitioned from musical comedies to starring in his own series of short-subject comedies, refining the “bratty man-child” character that would define his professional life.
During the 1950s, Besser became a vital part of the Abbott and Costello universe. He frequently substituted for Lou Costello on the radio and became a regular on their television series, where he played the unforgettable Oswald “Stinky” Davis. Dressed in an oversized Little Lord Fauntleroy outfit complete with shorts and a flat-topped hat, Stinky was a loudmouthed, spoiled child who famously warned others, “Not so hard!” or threatened to “pin your ears back.” This role allowed Besser to lean into his whiny, defensive comedic style, making him one of the duo’s most memorable foils. He also made a notable appearance in the 1949 film Africa Screams, playing a department store clerk alongside his future Stooge partner Shemp Howard.
The most debated chapter of Besser’s career began in 1956 following the sudden death of Shemp Howard. Although Moe Howard and Larry Fine considered continuing as a duo, Columbia Pictures insisted they use Besser, who was already under contract at the studio. During his tenure as the third member of The Three Stooges, Besser made the conscious choice not to imitate Curly or Shemp. Instead, he maintained his established persona—a character who was often the one doing the hitting rather than the receiving. His contract even included a clause that prohibited him from being hit excessively, a sharp departure from the trio’s traditional “eye-gouging” slapstick. He appeared in 16 shorts, including the final release Sappy Bull Fighters, before the studio closed its comedy short department in 1957.
In the years following his Stooge years, Besser continued to find success on television. He played the recurring role of Jillson, the maintenance man, on The Joey Bishop Show, and provided voices for various animated series, including the character of Babu in the Jeannie cartoon. He remained active in the industry and beloved by fans of classic comedy until his death from heart failure in 1988 at the age of 80. Today, he is remembered as a versatile performer who successfully bridged the gap between the golden age of vaudeville and the television era, leaving behind a comedic legacy that was entirely his own.
