Joe Besser

Biography

Joe Besser was a talented American actor and comedian born on August 12, 1907, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Jewish immigrant parents. He began his career as an assistant to magician Howard Thurston at age 12, after sneaking onto the train to meet him. Besser's unique brand of impish humor and wimpy characters made him a beloved figure in film and television, including his notable roles as Stinky on The Abbott and Costello Show and with The Three Stooges.