Curly and Shemp brought a unique personality to the 3rd banana, as well as perform wonderful slapstick. Joe brought a seasoned comic personality to 3rd banana, but was not keen on being hit or slapped and insisted on minimal slapstick where he was concerned. Curly-Joe was a "movies-only" Stooge, but also was featured in the animated series "The New Three Stooges". He spent most of his time just trying to imitate Curly. Even so, arguments can be made for all four. What's yours?

Toss-up between Curly and Shemp, with the edge towards Curly.

Shemp and Joe were OK, but Curly is the quintessential stooge. What do you immediately think of when you hear "nyuk, nyuk, nyuk"? Three Stooges, of course! Who else?!

You got a point, K Kidd...

Do the Curly Shuffle!

Well a point can be made for all of the
thoid bananers it has to come down ultermately
ta Curly.
Widout Curly there not be a Three Stooge's ta
watch atall!

Oh, a wise guy, eh? Well nyuk, nyuk, nyuk to you!

Hey Moe ... Hey Larry! woob-woob-woob-woob!
Moe: You Lame-Brain! I'd knock your brains out if you had any!

Curly IS the most quotable Stooge!

Wish I could think of something more to say to praise Curly, ... "I'm trying to think, but nothin' happens."

Speaking of bananas, there is a fourth banana (sort of) that deserves a short mention. One of the supporting actors that appeared often in Stooge episodes was Vernon Dent. He was most often cast as the guy who fell victim to a Stooge goof up and spent the rest of the episode chasin' 'em swearing, "Just wait 'till I get my hands on those guys! I'll kill 'em!"

Note from the Moderator:
An early photo of Vernon Dent (silent picture days) is available here:
Comedians of the Silent Era
If you want a "Stooge Era" photo of Vernon Dent, watch the episodes!

Another "honorable mention" fourth banana is Emil Sitka. He was picked by Moe to replace Curly-Joe when Moe was thinking of starting another television/movie run, but Larry had a devastating stroke in that year, effectively ending any more Stooge antics.

Emil Sitka is best known for his roles in the Moe, Larry and Shemp Era, such as the preacher in Bridless Groom that keeps getting beat up by the gold-digging women whenever he says to Shemp and his bride "Hold hands, you love birds".

If interested, here is a link to an Emil Sitka Fan Club Emil Sitka, the Fourth Stooge

I dunno. While Curly was the funniest and wildest Stooge, Shemp had a certain style that was appealing. Shemp was obviously a strong performer, as he had a lengthy solo career before his time as a Stooge. A lot of his funniest moments are just when he is goofing around by himself in the shorts. The weakest scenes are when they try to imitate Curly.

I agree, MikeC ... I have an affinity for Stooge episodes that include Shemp. Even though Curly had a singular wit, Shemp was AT LEAST his equal. It might even be argued that Curly learned his craft from watching his older brothers perform, and in that sense, Curly is a reflection of Shemp. (albeit he quickly developed his own style)

Shemp (Stooge #4) and Joe Besser (Stooge #5) both appear in the 1949 Abbott and Costello movie Africa Screams. It's very entertaining to see the current and future 3rd bananas performing together.

>>Well a point can be made for all of the thoid bananers, but it has to come down ultermately ta Curly. Widout Curly there would not be a Three Stooge's ta watch atall!<<

I most humbly disagree, Scott ...
I think that REALLY without MOE there would not be a Three Stooges to watch. But, to add weight to your argument, without CURLY there would not be the surge in popularity of the Three Stooges on TV in the 1960's and 70's. People who remember the "old days" wanted to see the short-subject crud on TV. And the Stooges' shorts (not to mention Edgar Kennedy and the rest) were just long enough to let ALL the TV sponsors say "buy me!" in 30 minutes or less.

BTW - if I never openly expressed a 3rd banana preference, I'll do it now ... SHEMP!

The only Stooge I never cared for was Curly-Joe Rita. His whining of "Cut it out!" annoyed me to no end. He went to to play "Babu" in the "Jeannie" cartoon.

Hands down it is Curly. Shemp did a decent job but Curly was da Stooge!!!