Net Worth Ranker
What Is Larry Fine’s Net Worth?
Larry Fine, renowned as an American comedian, actor, violinist, and boxer, is best known for his role as a member of the iconic comedy trio, The Three Stooges. Throughout his career, Larry Fine accumulated a net worth of $500,000. Considering inflation, this is equivalent to approximately $3 million in today’s currency.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Louis Feinberg on October 5, 1902, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Larry Fine’s early life was marked by a blend of artistic pursuits and unexpected challenges. His family, of Russian Jewish descent, owned a watch repair and jewelry shop. A childhood accident involving jewelry testing acid led to a severe arm injury. To aid in his recovery, his parents introduced him to the violin. Fine displayed an aptitude for the instrument, leading his parents to consider enrolling him in a prestigious European music school. These plans were ultimately disrupted by World War I.
Fine’s commitment to strengthening his arm also led him to boxing during his teenage years. He achieved success in the ring, even winning a professional bout. However, his father’s disapproval led him to discontinue his boxing career. Fine returned to his musical pursuits, seeking a career as a violinist. From 1925 to 1928, he performed in vaudeville and served as the master of ceremonies at Rainbo Gardens in Chicago. It was during this time that he crossed paths with Shemp Howard and Ted Healy, who were performing in the Shubert Brothers’ “A Night in Spain.” Healy offered Fine a role as a replacement stooge, and Fine accepted, marking a significant turn in his career.
The Three Stooges Era
In 1932, the addition of Curly Howard completed the lineup that would define The Three Stooges. Fine’s distinctive hairstyle, characterized by a prominent bald spot encircled by a halo of bushy, curly auburn hair, became his trademark. This iconic look reportedly originated during Fine’s initial encounter with Healy. The Three Stooges entered their most prolific period in 1934, creating 206 short films and several features. This era starred Fine, Moe Howard, and Curly Howard. Disputes with Healy over pay, film contracts, and his behavior led to their separation from him.
During the Curly era, Larry’s character often took a backseat, focusing more on reacting to the antics of Moe and Curly. However, after Curly suffered a stroke in May 1946 and was replaced by Shemp, Larry’s onscreen presence increased. He often engaged in improvisational humor and nutty behavior, adding to the comedic dynamic. Fine became the focus of several films, including “Fuelin’ Around” (1949) and “He Cooked His Goose” (1952). After Shemp’s death in November 1955, Joe Palma and later Joe Besser stepped in as the third Stooge. In 1959, Columbia Pictures released a collection of Three Stooges shorts on television, catapulting the group back into the spotlight.
Final Years and Legacy
In 1965, Fine, Moe Howard, and Joe DeRita began working on “The New 3 Stooges,” a TV comedy show that blended live-action and animated segments. While the show achieved good ratings, it became clear that the vaudeville veterans were showing their age. Fine, in particular, exhibited signs of mental impairment and occasionally struggled with his lines. They started working on another TV series, “Kook’s Tour” a few years later.
On January 9, 1970, Fine suffered a severe stroke that paralyzed his left side, ending his performing career. Like Curly Howard, he experienced additional strokes before his death on January 24, 1975. Colleagues and directors offered tributes to his comedic talent and laid-back personality. Writer-director Edward Bernds noted that Fine’s script suggestions, while often unconventional, sometimes contained brilliant comic ideas. On August 30, 1983, The Three Stooges received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in recognition of their contributions to the motion picture industry. A mural of Fine is displayed on a wall at the intersection of 3rd and South Streets in Philadelphia, near his birthplace. He has been portrayed in films such as the 2000 made-for-TV movie and the 2012 film “The Three Stooges,” with Evan Handler and Sean Hayes playing him, respectively.
Personal Life and Relationships
Fine married Mabel Haney in 1926 after meeting her in 1922 while working in vaudeville. Mabel passed away due to a sudden heart attack in 1967. The couple had also lost their only son in a car crash on November 17, 1961, at the age of 24.
It is documented that Larry Fine was known for living in the moment, spending his earnings as quickly as he received them. His financial habits, coupled with a reported gambling addiction, suggest a lifestyle that prioritized immediate gratification over long-term financial security. This aspect of his personal life likely influenced his net worth and financial status at the time of his passing.
