Matinee Classics - Joe Besser Biography & Filmography

Joe Besser ACTOR

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JOE BESSER BIOGRAPHY & FILMOGRAPHY:

Joe Besser was born on August 12th, 1907 in St. Louis Missouri, born the youngest of nine children to Fanny and Morris Besser. He first developed an interest in entertainment when he was hired as the assistant to famous magician, Howard Thurston.

He began his career in vaudeville at the age of twelve and soon radio and film roles followed. He was hired by the comedy team, Olsen and Johnson to work with them and soon the Shubert brothers took notice Besser and offered Besser a contract.

His first film role was in 1938 in, "Cuckoorancho". It did not take long for Columbia Pictures to step in and steal Besser from his contract with the Shubert brothers. In 1944, Joe Besser made the move out west to Hollywood. He began appearing in such comedies as, "Hey Rookie" (1944), "Eadie Was a Lady" (1945), "Talk About a Lady" and "Hour Glass" (both 1946).

By the early 1950's he had now also added radio experience to his resume and appeared in the film, "The Desert Hawk" (1950) and on television he appeared in , "The Abbott and Costello Show" (1953) playing 'Stinky'.

His biggest role soon followed in 1956 when Shemp Howard passed away Besser was hired to join the cast of, "The Three Stooges", however he only remained with them for two years before he chose to leave and take care of his wife who was sick at the time.

Joe remained working in the industry appearing in a variety of film and television roles. Some television credits he added to his resume over time were roles in, "The Joey Bishop Show" (1961) and "Club Oasis" (1957-1958).

He also did voice over work for, "Jeannie" (1973) as the voice of Babu and he voiced the character, Putty Puss for the animated cartoon, "The Houndcats" (1972). He was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Some of his latest roles were voice over projects for, "Fred Flinstone and Friends" (1977), "Galaxy Goof-Ups" (1978) and "My Smurfy Valentine" (1983).

Besser married only once to Erna Kay in 1932 and they remained married until he passed away on March 1st, 1988 in North Hollywood, California after suffering from heart failure. His remains are buried alongside his wife at Glendale's Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery.