Moe Howard, the iconic leader of the Three Stooges, was a household name known for his signature bowl-cut hairstyle and slapstick comedy.
His career spanned decades, from vaudeville to Hollywood’s golden age.
Today, Moe Howard’s financial legacy continues to impact the world of comedy and entertainment. In this article, we dive into Moe Howard’s net worth, his wealth, salary, and financial overview.
Let’s take a closer look at how he made his fortune and the lasting impact of his work with the Three Stooges.
Moe Howard Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Moses Harry Horwitz |
| Popular Name | Moe Howard |
| Birth Date | June 19, 1897 |
| Age | 77 years old (Died May 4, 1975) |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Jewish |
| Education | Dropped out of Erasmus Hall High School after two months |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Helen Schonberger (married in 1925) |
| Children | Joan Howard Maurer, Paul Howard |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | Shemp Howard, Curly Howard, and other brothers |
| Parents | Solomon Horwitz (father), Jennie Horwitz (mother) |
| Height | 1.61 m |
| Net Worth | $10 million |
| Source of Wealth | Acting, Comedy, and The Three Stooges |
What is the Net Worth of Moe Howard in 2025?
As of 2025, Moe Howard’s net worth remains estimated at $10 million, adjusting for inflation. While not the highest among actors, his wealth is impressive, considering the time he spent in the entertainment industry. His net worth is attributed to his work as a leader of the legendary comedy trio, The Three Stooges, whose slapstick comedy left a lasting mark on Hollywood.
Moe’s wealth has been bolstered by reruns of Three Stooges’ films and merchandise that continues to generate income. To put this in perspective, he earned his wealth during a time when actors were typically paid much less than they are today. However, Moe Howard’s financial legacy was built on consistent, long-lasting contributions to entertainment.
Here are some notable names in Moe Howard’s career circle:
- Larry Fine
- Curly Howard
- Shemp Howard
- Joe Besser
- Joe DeRita
For an extensive list of celebrities’ fortunes, check out this richest celebrities guide.
Moe Howard Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Much Was He Paid for His Work with the Three Stooges?
Moe Howard’s salary varied throughout his career, with the bulk of his earnings coming from his time with The Three Stooges. In the early days, the trio performed live shows in vaudeville, but their real breakthrough came when they signed with Columbia Pictures in the early 1930s. Here, Moe, along with Larry Fine and Curly Howard, made more than 200 short films that became extremely popular. These short films played a significant role in Moe Howard’s wealth and ongoing earnings.
Moe Howard’s role as the belligerent, short-tempered leader of the group earned him the lion’s share of the fame and salary, alongside his co-stars. His success in slapstick comedy made him a recognizable figure in Hollywood, and although his salary fluctuated over time, it was clear that he was one of the most well-paid actors of his era, especially during the 1940s and 50s when the trio was at their peak.
How Did He Earn His Wealth Throughout His Career?
Moe Howard’s wealth wasn’t solely tied to his work in films. In fact, much of his income stemmed from his early career in vaudeville and later, his involvement in television. Before the Three Stooges were formed, Moe worked with his older brother Shemp in small theaters and traveling shows. The Three Stooges act, which began as a vaudeville performance, evolved into a series of movies, giving Moe additional income through royalties and recurring appearances.
Even after the group stopped making films in the 1960s, Moe Howard continued to earn money from television appearances and his legacy in the entertainment industry. Moe Howard’s wealth continued to grow after his death, as his films were shown in reruns and his image was used in a variety of marketing and merchandising.
What Was His Financial Situation After the Three Stooges?
When Moe Howard’s health began to decline in the 1960s, his ability to perform physically demanding roles also diminished. His income, however, was protected by the long-lasting popularity of the Three Stooges. As the group aged and performances became less frequent, Moe Howard still managed to secure financial success thanks to the consistent popularity of their films. In the 1970s, even though the group was no longer filming, their influence remained strong, and Moe continued to benefit from licensing deals and royalties.
What Legacy Did He Leave Behind in Terms of Wealth?
Moe Howard’s legacy remains intact in the form of his financial assets, which continue to generate revenue through reruns of his films, branded merchandise, and posthumous earnings. His contributions to entertainment earned him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1983, underscoring the lasting impact of his comedic work.
After his passing in 1975, Moe’s wealth was passed to his family, ensuring that his financial legacy lived on. His work, particularly with the Three Stooges, remains an iconic part of Hollywood history, and the ongoing popularity of their work has kept Moe Howard’s financial legacy alive.
How Did His Wealth Compare to Other Hollywood Actors of His Time?
During his time, Moe Howard wasn’t the highest-paid actor, especially compared to his contemporaries in Hollywood’s golden era. However, his wealth was impressive for a comedian working in slapstick and short films. Compared to more serious actors of the time, Moe’s income would have been significantly lower, but his wealth was nonetheless substantial thanks to the longevity of the Three Stooges franchise.
The Three Stooges, as a group, enjoyed immense popularity, and Moe Howard’s role as their leader was pivotal to their success. While he might not have earned as much as Hollywood legends like Cary Grant or Clark Gable, his earnings were more than adequate for the lifestyle he led.
Conclusion
Moe Howard’s legacy lives on through his films, comedy, and financial success. Even after his death in 1975, Moe Howard’s wealth continues to grow thanks to the lasting impact of the Three Stooges.
If you want to explore more about celebrity wealth, feel free to leave a comment or share this article. For more exciting content, visit andomoney.com.
