The Three Stooges were an
American vaudeville and comedy act of the mid–20th century, best known for their numerous
Columbia short subject films that are still syndicated on television. Their hallmark was physical
farce and
slapstick. In films, the Stooges were commonly known by their first names of "Moe, Larry, and Curly", or as "Moe, Larry, and Shemp" (among other lineups, depending on the particular film). There were six active stooges, five of whom performed in the shorts. Moe and Larry were always present, until the final years of the ensemble's run of more than forty years.