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Curly Howard
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==Personal life== Offscreen, Howard's demeanor stood in stark contrast to his exuberant onscreen persona. A reserved and introspective individual, he largely avoided social interactions unless under the influence of alcohol, a habit that became more pronounced as the pressures of his career intensified. Howard rarely exhibited the boisterous behavior that defined his public image, except in the presence of family, while performing, or during episodes of inebriation. He was, however, widely recognized for his compassion, particularly his tendency to care for stray dogs.<ref name="Scrapbook" /> Howard had four marriages and two children: * Julia Rosenthal (m. August 5, 1930 – divorced January 6, 1931) * Elaine Ackerman (m. June 7, 1937 – div. July 11, 1940) ** Marilyn Howard Server (daughter, December 18, 1938 – May 6, 2025) * Marion Buxbaum (m. October 17, 1945 – div. July 22, 1946) * Valerie Newman (m. July 31, 1947 – January 18, 1952; his death) ** Janie Howard Hanky (daughter, b. 1948) Curly Howard's first marriage was short-lived, ending in divorce within five months and preceding his rise to fame with the Three Stooges. On June 7, 1937—the twelfth anniversary of his brother Moe's marriage to Helen—Howard wed Elaine Ackerman. The union produced one daughter, Marilyn, in 1938, but the couple divorced in June 1940. Following the separation, Howard's health began to decline, marked by significant weight gain and the onset of hypertension. Howard struggled with deep insecurities related to his shaved head, which he believed rendered him unattractive to women. To manage his feelings of inadequacy, he increasingly resorted to excessive drinking and indulgent social behavior. In public, he often wore a hat to project an image of masculinity, lamenting that his bare head made him feel juvenile. Despite his self-esteem issues, Howard remained highly popular with women, though many sought to exploit his generosity and affable nature.<ref name="Fleming" /> Moe's son-in-law [[Norman Maurer]] noted "he was a pushover for women. If a pretty girl went up to him and gave him a spiel, Curly would marry her. Then she would take his money and run off. It was the same when a [[real estate]] agent would come up and say 'I have a house for you'; Curly would sell his current home and buy another one."<ref name="Scrapbook" /> During [[World War II]], the Stooges' filming schedule was suspended for seven months each year to facilitate personal appearances. During these periods, the trio frequently performed for service members, a demanding schedule that exacerbated Curly's deteriorating health. While Howard abstained from alcohol during performances, as Moe strictly prohibited it, his post-work activities often involved excessive indulgence in nightclubs, where he ate, drank, and socialized to cope with professional stress. Howard's financial habits were equally extravagant. He spent lavishly on wine, food, women, and real estate, frequently finding himself in precarious financial situations, often nearing bankruptcy. Moe Howard ultimately intervened to manage his brother's finances, assisting with budgeting and even preparing Curly's income tax returns.<ref name="Scrapbook" /> Howard found solace in the companionship of dogs, frequently forming bonds with stray animals during the Stooges' travels. He often adopted homeless dogs encountered on tour, transporting them from town to town until suitable homes could be secured.<ref name="Fleming" /> When not engaged in performances, Howard maintained several pet dogs at his residence, reflecting his enduring affection for animals.<ref name="SAllen">''The Making of the Stooges'' VHS Documentary, narrated by [[Steve Allen]] (1984)</ref> Moe urged Curly to find himself a wife, hoping it would persuade his brother to finally settle down and allow his health to improve somewhat. After a two-week courtship, he married Marion Buxbaum on October 17, 1945, a union that lasted nine months. The divorce proceeding was bitter, exacerbated by exploitative, sensationalist media coverage, which worsened his already fragile health. The divorce was finalized in July 1946, two months after he suffered his career-ending stroke.<ref name="Scrapbook" /> On July 31, 1947, he married Valerie Newman. They had one daughter, Janie (born in 1948), and remained married until his death.<ref name="Scrapbook" />
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