Photo: NBC Television / Public domain (source: Wikimedia Commons)
Joe DeRita was a comedian, television actor and film actor. Joe DeRita was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States on July 12, 1909. Death is recorded on July 3, 1993, at the age of 83.
My Take
Joe DeRita, born Joseph Wardell, holds a peculiar place in my affection. Stepping in as Curly Joe, the final Curly of The Three Stooges, meant accepting a role he would be endlessly compared to and rarely credited for. That takes humility. I have a soft spot for the craftsmen who fill a beloved seat rather than chase the spotlight, who keep a legendary act alive through sheer professionalism. From 1909 to 1993 he gave his life to making people laugh in service of an ensemble. To me, that supporting devotion deserves more applause than it usually gets.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Joe DeRita
- Name (Japanese)
- ジョー・デ・リタ
- Reading
- じょー・で・りた
- Born
- July 12, 1909 – July 3, 1993
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Cancer / Rooster
- Origin
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Occupation
- comedian / television actor / film actor / voice actor / actor
2. Links
- Official sitehttps://www.threestooges.net/cast/actor/492
- Wikipedia (English)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe%20DeRita
- Wikidatahttps://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q705408
3. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-20
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public or unconfirmed items are omitted. English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.
Frequently asked questions
When was Joe DeRita born?
Born July 12, 1909.
When did Joe DeRita die?
Died July 3, 1993, aged 83.
Where was Joe DeRita from?
Joe DeRita was from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.
What did Joe DeRita do?
Joe DeRita worked as comedian, television actor, film actor, voice actor, actor.
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