The Three Stooges were an American vaudeville and comedy troupe active from 1922 until 1970, best remembered for their 190 short-subject films by Columbia Pictures. Their hallmark styles were physical, farce, and slapstick comedy. Six Stooges appeared over the act's run, with only three working at any given time. The two constants were Moe Howard and Larry Fine. The "third stooge" was played in turn by Shemp Howard, Curly Howard, Joe Besser, and "Curly Joe" DeRita.