Unraveling The Question: Is Curly Howard's Daughter Still Alive?
The legacy of The Three Stooges, and particularly the iconic Curly Howard, continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Beyond the slapstick and memorable "nyuk-nyuks," fans often wonder about the personal lives of these comedy legends. One recurring question that surfaces is, "is Curly Howard's daughter still alive?" This article delves into the lives of Curly Howard's known daughters, providing clarity on their journeys and the enduring impact of their father's comedic genius.
Understanding the family tree of a public figure like Curly Howard can sometimes be complex, especially when dealing with historical records and various reports. This piece aims to provide a comprehensive overview, drawing directly from available information to answer the question definitively and honor the memory of those who have passed, while celebrating the lives of those who continue to carry the family's legacy.
Table of Contents
- Curly Howard: The Man Behind the Laughs
- The Daughters of Curly Howard: A Complex Legacy
- Marilyn Howard Ellman: The Eldest Daughter's Journey
- Jane Cecile Howard: Curly's Second Daughter
- The Enigmatic Phyllis Howard
- Curly Howard's Marriages: A Look at His Family Life
- Beyond Curly: The Broader Howard Family Legacy
- Navigating Historical Records and Public Information
- The Enduring Appeal of The Three Stooges
- Conclusion: The Legacy Lives On
Curly Howard: The Man Behind the Laughs
Jerome Lester Horwitz, universally known as Curly Howard, was a comedic force of nature, a pivotal member of The Three Stooges whose unique blend of physical comedy, high-pitched vocalizations, and unforgettable catchphrases cemented his place in entertainment history. Born in 1903, Curly's career with his brothers Moe Howard and Shemp Howard (and later Larry Fine) brought joy to millions, defining an era of slapstick humor that remains influential today.
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Tragically, Curly's vibrant career was cut short. He suffered a debilitating stroke in 1946, forcing his retirement from the Stooges. Jerome Howard, best known as “Curly,” passed away in 1952 at age 48. His untimely death left a void in the hearts of fans and a profound impact on his family, who would continue to navigate life under the shadow of his immense fame.
The Daughters of Curly Howard: A Complex Legacy
The question "is Curly Howard's daughter still alive?" often arises due to the passage of time and the natural curiosity surrounding the families of beloved public figures. Curly Howard had a complicated personal life, marked by multiple marriages, which in turn led to a somewhat intricate family tree regarding his children. While many fans might assume a single child, records indicate Curly had more than one daughter. The primary focus of this inquiry often revolves around Marilyn Howard Ellman and Jane Cecile Howard, with another daughter, Phyllis, also mentioned in some historical accounts.
Each of Curly's daughters, though living largely private lives, carried a unique connection to one of comedy's most enduring figures. Their stories offer a glimpse into the personal side of a man who brought so much laughter to the world, and how his legacy continued through them.
Marilyn Howard Ellman: The Eldest Daughter's Journey
Marilyn Howard Ellman holds a significant place in the narrative of Curly Howard's family. She was born in Los Angeles in December, the only child of Curly (Jerome Lester Horwitz) and his second wife, Elaine Julia Ackerman. Curly and Elaine were married for three years before their divorce in 1940. This makes Marilyn his first-born and, in a sense, his eldest daughter.
Marilyn's early life was shaped by her father's fame and his subsequent passing. After Curly’s death in 1952, when Marilyn was 14, she was adopted by her mother’s second husband, Moe Diamond. This event marked a new chapter in her life, though her connection to her biological father, the legendary Curly Howard, remained. Her son, Bradley Server, grew up watching The Three Stooges on TV, initially unaware of his direct lineage to one of its stars. Bradley Server, Curly Howard’s grandson, has since recalled his 'brilliant' grandfather's work in The Three Stooges and beyond in exclusive interviews, highlighting the family's pride in Curly's enduring legacy.
For those asking, "is Curly Howard's daughter still alive?", specifically regarding Marilyn, the answer is no. Marilyn Howard Ellman passed away. According to her son, Bradley Server, Marilyn Howard Ellman died on May 6 in Simi Valley of heart failure. She was 86 years old. This news was also shared on social media by Gene Loafo, who offered condolences and paid tribute to Marilyn’s life. While some reports mention a date of May 15, 2025, for her passing, the consistent and widely reported date by her son and reputable sources like The Hollywood Reporter is May 6, indicating the 2025 date might refer to a future remembrance or be a typographical error in some records. In a heartfelt tribute, we bid farewell to Marilyn Howard Ellman, the beloved daughter of comedy icon Curly Howard from The Three Stooges. At 86, Marilyn's life was a testament to the enduring spirit of the Howard family. She was also seen in "Hey Moe," a testament to her connection to The Three Stooges' legacy, and there was a Kickstarter campaign to share more memories and never-before-seen footage involving Marilyn and other family members.
Marilyn Howard Ellman: Personal Data
| Full Name | Marilyn Howard Ellman |
| Parents | Curly Howard (Jerome Lester Horwitz) and Elaine Julia Ackerman |
| Date of Birth | December (Year not specified in provided data) |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California |
| Date of Death | May 6 (Year not specified in provided data, but she was 86 at time of death) |
| Age at Death | 86 years old |
| Cause of Death | Heart Failure |
| Son | Bradley Server |
| Adoptive Father | Moe Diamond (mother's second husband) |
Jane Cecile Howard: Curly's Second Daughter
Beyond Marilyn, Curly Howard had another daughter, Jane Cecile Howard. She was born on May 7, 1948, in Los Angeles, California. Her mother was Valerie Joann Grenache Ericson Newman Howard, Curly's fourth wife. At the time of Jane's birth, her father, Jerome Lester Curly Horwitz, was 44, and her mother was 32.
Jane Cecile Howard married James William Miller on April 23, 1967, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States. As of 2006, she lived in Westminster, Carroll, Maryland, United States. The provided data does not indicate that Jane Cecile Howard has passed away. Therefore, in response to "is Curly Howard's daughter still alive?" regarding Jane, based on the available information, she is presumed to be alive.
The Enigmatic Phyllis Howard
The family history of Curly Howard presents some intriguing details. The provided data mentions another daughter: "Curly howard had one daughter, phyllis, born in 1938." It further states that "Phyllis passed away in 1988." This information, while brief, introduces a third potential daughter into Curly's lineage. However, the data also explicitly states that "Marilyn is curly and wife elaine’s only child" and then mentions Janie as a "second daughter" with his fourth wife. This creates a degree of ambiguity regarding Phyllis's exact place in Curly's family tree or if she was a widely acknowledged child. Given the focus on Marilyn and Janie as the confirmed daughters from different marriages, Phyllis's mention might refer to a lesser-known child or perhaps a detail that requires further historical verification beyond the scope of this provided data. Nevertheless, if Phyllis was indeed a daughter of Curly Howard, she passed away in 1988.
Curly Howard's Marriages: A Look at His Family Life
Curly Howard's personal life was as dynamic and, at times, tumultuous as his on-screen persona. He was married four times, each union contributing to the narrative of his family. His first marriage was to Julia Rosenthal, whom he exchanged vows with on August 5, 1930. This marriage was brief, ending in divorce just five months later, before Howard achieved widespread fame as one of The Three Stooges.
His second marriage was to Elaine Ackerman on June 7, 1937. As discussed, this union produced his daughter Marilyn Howard Ellman. The couple divorced in 1940. While the provided data does not name his third wife, his fourth wife was Valerie Joann Grenache Ericson Newman Howard, with whom he had his daughter Jane Cecile Howard, born in 1948. These relationships highlight the complexities of maintaining a private life amidst public adoration and the challenges that often accompanied the lives of Hollywood stars during that era.
Beyond Curly: The Broader Howard Family Legacy
The legacy of The Three Stooges extends beyond Curly himself, encompassing the entire Howard family. Moe Howard, Curly's brother and the stern leader of the Stooges, also had a family whose members continue to contribute to the preservation of the Stooges' history. Understanding this broader family context helps to fully answer questions like "is Curly Howard's daughter still alive?" by providing a complete picture of the family's enduring presence.
Moe Howard's Children: Keeping the Story Alive
Moe Howard had two children: Joan, born in 1928, and Paul, born in 1935. Both have played a role in keeping The Three Stooges' memory alive. Joan Howard Maurer, Moe's daughter (the eldest of his children), is still alive and well. She attended a convention for The Three Stooges last year and announced that she is in the process of writing a new Stooge book, tentatively titled, which promises to offer fresh insights into the comedy trio. Joan Howard Maurer also authored a Curly bio book, put out by Citadel Press in the 70s, which is an interesting family tree reference. She celebrates her birthday on April 2 of every year.
Moe's son, Paul Howard, is also still around and reportedly working on the East Coast as a graphic designer. The continued presence and active involvement of Moe's children underscore the deep family ties that underpin The Three Stooges' enduring appeal. They, along with Curly's grandson Bradley Server, are vital custodians of this unique comedic heritage.
Navigating Historical Records and Public Information
When researching historical figures like Curly Howard and his family, it's crucial to acknowledge that information can sometimes be conflicting or incomplete. As seen in the data provided for this article, there were slight discrepancies regarding Marilyn Howard Ellman's passing date (May 6 vs. May 15, 2025) and the mention of "Marilyn is curly the daughter of curly howard is doing well" which clearly contradicts the reports of her death. Such instances highlight the importance of cross-referencing information with multiple reliable sources, especially when dealing with dates and sensitive personal details.
For Marilyn's death, the report from her son, Bradley Server, to The Hollywood Reporter, stating May 6, is considered the most authoritative. The "doing well" comment likely predates her passing, serving as a reminder that online information can quickly become outdated. Similarly, the mention of Phyllis Howard as a daughter adds a layer of complexity to Curly's known children, suggesting that some aspects of his personal life may not be as widely documented as his public career. These nuances underscore the challenges and responsibilities of historical research, ensuring that the narratives we construct are as accurate and respectful as possible.
The Enduring Appeal of The Three Stooges
The persistent interest in questions like "is Curly Howard's daughter still alive?" is a testament to the timeless appeal of The Three Stooges. Their brand of physical comedy, while often seen as simplistic, possessed a universal quality that transcended generations. Curly Howard, with his distinctive voice, bald head, and childlike antics, was arguably the most beloved of the trio. His performances were not just funny; they were iconic, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture.
The fact that fans continue to delve into the personal lives of the Stooges, seeking details about their families, speaks volumes about the deep connection people feel to these entertainers. It's a desire to understand the human beings behind the characters, to connect with their stories beyond the stage and screen. This enduring fascination ensures that the legacies of Curly Howard and his family remain relevant, inspiring new generations to discover the joy and laughter they brought to the world.
Conclusion: The Legacy Lives On
To directly answer the question, "is Curly Howard's daughter still alive?": Marilyn Howard Ellman, his eldest daughter with Elaine Ackerman, passed away at the age of 86 on May 6 due to heart failure. However, Jane Cecile Howard, his daughter with Valerie Joann Grenache Ericson Newman Howard, is presumed to be alive based on available information, with no reports of her passing. The mention of a daughter named Phyllis who passed away in 1988 adds another layer to Curly's family history, though her connection is less widely documented.
The lives of Curly Howard's daughters, particularly Marilyn and Jane, represent a continuation of his legacy, albeit in their own private ways. Through them, and through the efforts of other family members like Curly's grandson Bradley Server and Moe Howard's children Joan and Paul, the memory of The Three Stooges and the man known as Curly lives on. Their stories remind us that behind every iconic figure is a family, a personal history, and a legacy that transcends the stage. We wish all members of the Howard family a good year in 2025 and beyond, as they continue to honor and preserve the incredible comedic heritage of their ancestors.
What are your favorite memories of Curly Howard? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below, and let's keep the laughter and the legacy alive!
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