Joe DeRita - Actor Profile

Joe DeRita

Acting
Freshness: Jan 24, 2026
32Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Jul 12, 1909
Birth Place: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.

About Joe DeRita

​From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.   Joe DeRita (July 12, 1909 – July 3, 1993), born Joseph Wardell, was an American comedian who is best known as Curly-Joe DeRita, the "sixth" member of the Three Stooges. DeRita was born into a show-business family in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Wardell's father was a stage technician, his mother a professional stage dancer, and the three often acted on stage together from his early childhood. Taking his mother's maiden name, DeRita (Portuguese), the actor joined the burlesque circuit during the 1920s, gaining fame as a comedian. During World War II, DeRita joined the USO, performing through Britain and France with such celebrities as Bing Crosby and Randolph Scott. Description above from the Wikipedia article Joe DeRita, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Joe DeRita reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 32 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Comedy

The majority of Joe DeRita's filmography leans towards the Comedy genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 22% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Joe DeRita remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Three Stooges 75th Anniversary Special, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Joe DeRita Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Joe DeRita's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Joe DeRita.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2003 Three Stooges 75th Anniversary Special Joe (archive footage) Super Hit Similar →
2002 Added Attractions: The Hollywood Shorts Story Self (archive footage) (uncredited) Flop Similar →
2001 The Three Stooges Funniest Moments - Volume I Curly-Joe Super Hit Similar →
2001 The Three Stooges Funniest Moments - Volume II Curly-Joe Flop Similar →
2001 The Three Stooges Story Curly-Joe Flop Similar →
2001 The Three Stooges: Kings Of Laughter Joe Flop Similar →
1997 The Three Stooges Greatest Hits! (archive footage) Flop Similar →
1989 Batmania: From Comics to Screen Self / Curly-Joe (archive footage) Super Hit Similar →
1986 Classic Comedy Teams Self (archive footage) Flop Similar →
1970 Kook's Tour Curly-Joe Flop Similar →
1968 Star Spangled Salesman Curly Joe Average Similar →
1965 The Outlaws Is Coming Curly-Joe Flop Similar →
1963 4 for Texas Painting Deliveryman Flop Similar →
1963 It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World Airport Firemen #3 Hit Similar →
1963 The Three Stooges Scrapbook Curly-Joe Average Similar →
1963 The Three Stooges Go Around the World in a Daze Curly-Joe Average Similar →
1962 The Three Stooges in Orbit Curly-Joe Flop Similar →
1962 The Three Stooges Meet Hercules Curly Joe Hit Similar →
1961 Snow White and the Three Stooges Curley-Joe Average Similar →
1959 Have Rocket, Will Travel Curley-Joe Flop Similar →
1958 The Bravados Tony Mirabel (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1948 Coroner Creek Jack the Bartender Average Similar →
1948 Jitter Bughouse Joe Flop Similar →
1947 Wedlock Deadlock Eddie Flop Similar →
1947 The Good Bad Egg Joe Priggle Flop Similar →
1946 Slappily Married Joe Bates Flop Similar →
1946 High School Hero Tiny Flop Similar →
1946 The French Key Fox Flop Similar →
1946 People Are Funny Mr. Hinkley (uncredited) Flop Similar →
1945 The Sailor Takes a Wife Waiter Average Similar →
1944 The Doughgirls Snoring Man Hit Similar →
1943 Thank Your Lucky Stars Meek Man (uncredited) Average Similar →

Joe DeRita - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Joe DeRita?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Joe DeRita is "Three Stooges 75th Anniversary Special" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has Joe DeRita acted in?

Joe DeRita has been featured in at least 32 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Joe DeRita?

Other notable films include "Batmania: From Comics to Screen", "The Three Stooges Funniest Moments - Volume I", and "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World".