Joe Besser (1907–1988)

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Joe Besser was born on August 12, 1907 in St. Louis, Missouri. Short, chubby, balding, childish character actor who began his career on the vaudeville circuit before breaking into films in the early 1930s. He was a frequent foil of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello in their films and played Stinky on their 1950s situation comedy. Joe joined The Three ... See full bio »

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The Three Stooges
A Bird in the Head (S1, Ep89)
Thu, Jun 30 5:33 AM PDT on AMC (046)
The Three Stooges
Violent is the Word for Curly (S1, Ep32)
Thu, Jun 30 9:00 AM PDT on AMC (046)
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Known For

The Desert Hawk
The Desert Hawk Prince Sinbad
(1950)
Africa Screams
Africa Screams Harry
(1949)
Shirley Temple's Storybook
Shirley Temple's Storybook Rodrigo
(1960)
The Joey Bishop Show
The Joey Bishop Show Mr. Jillson / Jillson / Leonard Jillson
(1962-1965)
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Filmography

Hide Hide Show Show Actor (114 credits)
 1986 The Smurfs (TV Series)
Cupid
- Reckless Smurfs/Head Over Hogatha (1986) ... Cupid (voice)
 1982 Shirt Tales (TV Series)
Elmo the Elephant
- Dinkel's Ark/The Duke of Dinkel (1982) ... Elmo the Elephant (voice)
- The Magical Musical Caper/The Very Buried Treasure (1982) ... Elmo the Elephant (voice)
- Hapless Hound/The Nearsighted Bear (1982) ... Elmo the Elephant (voice)
- Save the Park/Pam-Dora's Box (1982) ... Elmo the Elephant (voice)
- Moving Time/Back to Nature (1982) ... Elmo the Elephant (voice)
Show all 13 episodes
 1982 My Smurfy Valentine (TV Short)
Cupid (voice)
 1977-1980 Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels (TV Series short)
Additional Voices
- Cavey and the Volcanic Villain (1980) ... Additional Voices
- The Mystery Mansion Mix-Up (1977) ... Additional Voices
 1978 Galaxy Goof-Ups (TV Series)
Scare Bear / Scare Bear (1978)
- Captain Snerdley Goes Bananas (1978) ... Scare Bear (voice)
- The Treasure of Congo-Bongo (1978) ... Scare Bear (voice)
- Vampire of Space (1978) ... Scare Bear (voice)
- Dyno-Mite! (1978) ... Scare Bear (voice)
- Hail, King Yogi! (1978) ... Scare Bear (voice)
Show all 13 episodes
 1978 Yogi's Space Race (TV Series)
Scare Bear
- Franzia (1978) ... Scare Bear (voice)
- Race Through the Planet of the Monsters (1978) ... Scare Bear (voice)
- Race to the Center of the Universe (1978) ... Scare Bear (voice)
- The Borealis Triangle (1978) ... Scare Bear (voice)
- Race Through Wet Galoshes (1978) ... Scare Bear (voice)
Show all 13 episodes
 1977 Baggy Pants & the Nitwits (TV Series)
Simple Simon
- The Magician's Assistant/Simple Simon and the Mad Pieman (1977) ... Simple Simon (uncredited)
 1977 Fred Flintstone and Friends (TV Series) (voice)
 1977 Scooby's Laff-A Lympics (TV Series)
Babu (voice)
 1975 The Oddball Couple (TV Series)
Additional Voices
- Spiffy's Man Friday/Who's Zoo (1975) ... Additional Voices (voice)
 1973 Jeannie (TV Series)
Babu
- The Wish (1973) ... Babu (voice)
- The Jinx (1973) ... Babu (voice)
- The Dog (1973) ... Babu (voice)
- Don Juan (1973) ... Babu (voice)
- The Commercial (1973) ... Babu (voice)
Show all 16 episodes
 1973 The New Scooby-Doo Movies (TV Series)
Additional Voices / Windmaker #1 / Babu
- The Haunted Candy Factory (1973) ... (voice, credit only)
- The Weird Winds on Winona (1973) ... Windmaker #1 (voice)
- The Exterminator (1973) ... Additional Voices (voice, credit only)
- The Spirited Spooked Sports Show (1973) ... Additional Voices (voice, credit only)
- Mystery in Persia (1973) ... Babu (voice)
Show all 7 episodes
 1970-1973 Love, American Style (TV Series)
Harley (segment "Love and the Legend") / Tony (segment "Love and the Lady Barber") / Neighbor (segment "Love and Murphy's Bed") / ...
- Love and the Cryptic Gift/Love and the Family Hour/Love and the Legend/Love and the Sexpert (1973) ... Harley (segment "Love and the Legend")
- Love and the College Professor/Love and the Eyewitness/Love and the Lady Barber/Love and the Plumber (1971) ... Tony (segment "Love and the Lady Barber")
- Love and the Cake/Love and Murphy's Bed/Love and the Neighbor/Love and the Serious Wedding (1971) ... Neighbor (segment "Love and Murphy's Bed")
- Love and the Pick-Up/Love and the Proposal/Love and the Fighting Couple (1970) ... Man in Restaurant (segment "Love and the Proposal") (uncredited)
 1972 The Houndcats (TV Series)
Putty Puss
- The Misbehavin' Raven Mission (1972) ... Putty Puss (voice)
- The Call Me Madam X Mission (1972) ... Putty Puss (voice)
- Is There a Doctor in the Greenhouse Mission (1972) ... Putty Puss (voice)
- The Outta Sight Blight Mission (1972) ... Putty Puss (voice)
- The French Collection Mission (1972) ... Putty Puss (voice)
Show all 13 episodes
 1972 Arnie (TV Series)
Chef
- Surprise, Surprise (1972) ... Chef
 1970 Hollywood Horror House
Bus Driver
 1970 Where's Huddles? (TV Series)
Coach
- Pilot (1970) ... Coach (voice)
 1970 Which Way to the Front?
Dock Master
 1969-1970 My World and Welcome to It (TV Series)
2nd Cop / Fire Chief
- Darn That Dream (1970) ... 2nd Cop
- The Night the House Caught Fire (1969) ... Fire Chief
 1969 The Good Guys (TV Series)
Florian / Gerald
- No Orchids for the Diner (1969) ... Florian
- Win, Place, and Kill (1969) ... Gerald
- Wanted: An Honest Thief (1969)
 1969 The Monk (TV Movie)
Herbie
 1969 The Hollywood Palace (TV Series)
Sydney
- Episode #6.24 (1969) ... Sydney
 1968-1969 The Mothers-In-Law (TV Series)
Joe / The Tramp / Band Leader
- Two on the Aisle (1969) ... Joe
- The First Anniversary Is the Hardest (1968) ... The Tramp
- How Not to Manage a Rock Group (1968) ... Band Leader
 1968 That Girl (TV Series)
Foreman / Messenger
- Eleven Angry Men and That Girl (1968) ... Foreman
- Old Man's Darling (1968) ... Messenger
 1968 That's Life (TV Series)
Delivery Man
- Bachelor Days (1968) ... Delivery Man
 1967 The Danny Thomas Hour (TV Series)
Hermes
- The Royal Follies of 1933 (1967) ... Hermes
- It's Greek to Me (1967) ... Hermes
 1966 Batman (TV Series)
Penguin Supporter
- Hizzonner the Penguin (1966) ... Penguin Supporter (uncredited)
 1962-1965 The Joey Bishop Show (TV Series)
Mr. Jillson / Jillson / Leonard Jillson
- Joey Discovers Jackie Clark (1965) ... Mr. Jillson
- What'll You Have? (1965) ... Mr. Jillson
- Joey the Star Maker (1965) ... Mr. Jillson
- Larry's Habit (1965) ... Mr. Jillson
- Never Put It in Writing (1965) ... Mr. Jillson
Show all 97 episodes
 1965 Valentine's Day (TV Series)
Max Coleman
- The Sweet Smell of Wampum (1965) ... Max Coleman
- The Double Shamaguchi (1965) ... Max Coleman
 1962 Hand of Death
Service station attendant
 1962 The Alvin Show (TV Series)
The Dragon
- Sir Alvin (1962) ... The Dragon (voice)
 1961 The Errand Boy
Man Watching Rushes
 1954-1961 The Jack Benny Program (TV Series)
Joey / Second Remote Transmission Engineer / Photographer / ...
- Tennessee Ernie Ford Show (1961) ... Second Remote Transmission Engineer
- English Sketch (1961) ... Photographer
- Jack Goes to the Races (1958) ... Waiter
- Jack Opens Beverly Hills Office (1956) ... Mr. Henshaw - Interior Decorator
- Rochester Falls Asleep, Misses Program (1956) ... Joey
Show all 9 episodes
 1961 Father of the Bride (TV Series)
Justice of the Peace Fred Bowers / Justice of the Peace
- Maid of Honor (1961) ... Justice of the Peace Fred Bowers
- The Ring (1961) ... Justice of the Peace
 1961 Peter Gunn (TV Series)
Samuel 'Chubby' Stone
- Cry Love, Cry Murder (1961) ... Samuel 'Chubby' Stone
 1961 General Electric Theater (TV Series)
Manager
- Memory in White (1961) ... Manager
 1960 Shirley Temple's Storybook (TV Series)
Rodrigo
- Babes in Toyland (1960) ... Rodrigo
 1960 Angel (TV Series)
- The Museum (1960)
 1960 Dan Raven (TV Series)
Bookie
- The Empty Frame (1960) ... Bookie
 1960 The Danny Thomas Show (TV Series)
Postman Thompson
- Kathy Delivers the Mail (1960) ... Postman Thompson
 1960 Let's Make Love
Charlie Lamont
 1959 The Rookie
Medical Corpsman
 1959 The Story on Page One
Gallagher (uncredited)
 1959 Say One for Me
Joe Greb
 1959 Sappy Bull Fighters (Short)
Joe (as Joe)
 1959 Triple Crossed (Short)
Joe (as Joe)
 1959 Plunderers of Painted Flats
Andy Heather
 1958 Oil's Well That Ends Well (Short)
Joe (as Joe)
 1958 Flying Saucer Daffy (Short)
Joe (as Joe)
 1958 Sweet and Hot (Short)
Joe / Uncle Joe (as Joe)
 1958 Pies and Guys (Short)
Joe (as Joe)
 1958 Fifi Blows Her Top (Short)
Joe Besser (as Joe)
 1958 Club Oasis (TV Series)
Private Besser
- Episode #1.12 (1958) ... Private Besser
 1958 Quiz Whizz (Short)
Joe (as Joe)
 1957 Outer Space Jitters (Short)
Joe / Joe's Son (as Joe)
 1957 Rusty Romeos (Short)
Joe (as Joe)
 1957 The Helen Morgan Story
Bartender (uncredited)
 1957 Horsing Around (Short)
Joe (as Joe)
 1957 Guns a Poppin! (Short)
Joe
 1957 Space Ship Sappy (Short)
Joe (as Joe)
 1957 A Merry Mix-up (Short)
Joe / Jack / Jeff (as Joe)
 1957 Muscle Up a Little Closer (Short)
Joe (as Joe)
 1957 Hoofs and Goofs (Short)
Joe (as Joe)
 1956 Army Daze (Short)
Pvt. Joe Besser
 1955 Just Off Broadway (TV Movie)
 1955 It's a Dog's Life
Dog Catcher (uncredited)
 1955 Hook a Crook (Short)
Joe Besser
 1955 December Bride (TV Series)
Joe
- Skid Row (1955) ... Joe
 1955 Two-Gun Lady
Doc McGinnis
 1955 The Gene Autry Show (TV Series)
Train Conductor
- The Million Dollar Fiddle (1955) ... Train Conductor
 1955 Headline Hunters
Coroner
 1955 Damon Runyon Theater (TV Series)
Frankie Farrell
- The Mink Doll (1955) ... Frankie Farrell
 1955 My Little Margie (TV Series)
Mr. Briggs
- Vern's Butterflies (1955) ... Mr. Briggs
 1955 Mad at the World
Gas Station Attendant (uncredited)
 1955 Willy (TV Series)
Con Man
- Willy Saves Harvey from Fraud (1955) ... Con Man
 1955 The Millionaire (TV Series)
Chester Pips
- The Harvey Blake Story (1955) ... Chester Pips
 1955 G.I. Dood It (Short)
Pvt. Joe Marblehead / Voice of Homer the Dog
 1955 Abbott and Costello Meet the Keystone Kops
Hunter (uncredited)
 1954-1955 Your Favorite Story (TV Series)
The Mayor
- No Tears (1955) ... The Mayor
- The Hitchhiker (1954)
 1954 The Fire Chaser (Short)
Eric Loudermilk Potts
 1954 Private Secretary (TV Series)
- The Still Small Voice (1954)
 1954 The Lone Wolf (TV Series)
Cupie
- The Hunt ... Cupie
 1954 Mr. District Attorney (TV Series)
Joe Cogan
- Hit and Run (1954) ... Joe Cogan
 1954 The Spike Jones Show (TV Series)
Warden
- Prison Life (1954) ... Warden
 1953 The Ray Milland Show (TV Series)
Party Favor Salesman
- The Faculty Dance (1953) ... Party Favor Salesman
 1953 I Married Joan (TV Series)
Frank Macker / Harry
- Brad's Moustache (1953) ... Frank Macker
- Business Executive (1953) ... Harry
 1953 Sins of Jezebel
Yonkel - master of chariots
 1953 I, the Jury
Pete - Elevator Operator
 1952-1953 The Abbott and Costello Show (TV Series)
Stinky Davis
- The Actors' Home (1953) ... Stinky Davis (uncredited)
- Getting a Job (1953) ... Stinky Davis (uncredited)
- The Wrestling Match (1953) ... Stinky Davis (uncredited)
- The Music Lover (1953) ... Stinky Davis
- Hungry (1953) ... Stinky Davis (uncredited)
Show all 12 episodes
 1953 Spies and Guys (Short)
Pvt. Joe Besser
 1953 A Day in the Country (Short)
Narrator (voice)
 1952 Caught on the Bounce (Short)
Joe
 1952 Gang Busters (TV Series)
Walker
- The Norma Breighlee Case, Part 2 (1952) ... Walker
 1952 Aim, Fire, Scoot (Short)
Pvt. Joe Besser
 1951 'Fraidy Cat (Short)
Joe Besser
 1951 Front Page Detective (TV Series)
Hubert
- The Little Black Book (1951) ... Hubert
 1950 The Desert Hawk
Prince Sinbad
 1950 Dizzy Yardbird (Short)
Pvt. Rodney Marblehead
 1950 Outside the Wall
Cook (uncredited)
 1950 The Ken Murray Show (TV Series)
Regular (1950-1951)
 1950 Woman in Hiding
Salesman with Drum
 1949 Hollywood House (TV Series)
Irate Guest
- Episode dated 2 December 1949 (1949) ... Irate Guest
 1949 Waiting in the Lurch (Short)
Eric Loudermilk Potts
 1949 Africa Screams
Harry
 1948 Feudin', Fussin' and A-Fightin'
Sharkey Dolan
 1946 Talk About a Lady
Roly Q. Entwhistle
 1945 Eadie Was a Lady
Prof. Diogenes Dingle
 1944 Hey, Rookie
Pendelton (Pudge) Pfeiffer
 1940 Hot Steel
Siggie Landers
 1938 Cuckoorancho (Short)
Wanderer
 1934 The Three Stooges (TV Series)
Show Show Writer (1 credit)
Show Show Thanks (2 credits)
Show Show Self (13 credits)
Show Show Archive footage (12 credits)

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Personal Details

Other Works:

Unsold pilot: Appeared in a sitcom pilot starring Mel Tormé called "Everything Happens to Mel". See more »

Publicity Listings:

2 Print Biographies | 1 Portrayal | 4 Articles | See more »

Alternate Names:

Joseph Besser | Joe

Height:

5' 4" (1.63 m)

Spouse:

Erna Kay  (his death)
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Did You Know?

Trivia:

After Shemp Howard died, Moe Howard and Larry Fine wanted to continue as "The Two Stooges." Four shorts remained to be filmed. The Stooges made them, all remakes with stock footage and with new scenes that included a fake Shemp (Joe Palma). The Stooges then became three again with the addition of Besser as the third Stooge. Initially, because Besser was afraid of being hurt, Larry offered to take... See more »

Trademark:

His ability to play young children although he was a middle aged man

Star Sign:

Leo
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