Geoff Dale

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The First Voice for the Forgotten Stooges

Geoff Dale

Veteran journalist reflecting on 51 years of writing, the golden age of comedy, and why Shemp, Larry, and Curly-Joe deserve their due.
  • Journalist
  • Author
  • Editor
  • Historian
  • Broadcaster
Explore The Books

From the Newsroom to Hollywood

51 years of journalism, broadcasting, and preserving comedy history.

Journalism
51 years of reporting, editing, and photography for newspapers, magazines, and wire services across Canada.

Books
The first-ever biographies on Shemp Howard, Larry Fine, and Joe DeRita—the overlooked legends of The Three Stooges.

Podcasts & Media
Featured on podcasts worldwide, including The Online Movie Show, Checky Brain, Fun Ideas Podcast, and many more.

Broadcasting
Veteran radio contributor for CBC, delivering arts features, interviews, and cultural commentary to a national audience.

ABOUT THE Author

Geoff Dale

Journalist. Author. Broadcaster. Historian. A life dedicated to storytelling.

Some people write for a living. Geoff Dale lives for it.

For more than 51 years, he has done one thing: tell stories that matter. His career has taken him from the gritty newsrooms of small-town Canada to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s golden age—and everywhere in between.

A graduate of McMaster University with an Honors BA in English Literature and History, Geoff’s professional journey is as diverse as it is accomplished. But what truly sets him apart is his relentless passion for uncovering the stories that others have forgotten…

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A Mission to Set the Record Straight

As Geoff built his career in journalism, his interest in The Three Stooges never faded. But something gnawed at him—a glaring gap in history.
Over 40 books had been written about The Three Stooges. Yet not a single one was dedicated to Shemp Howard.
“I couldn’t believe it,” Geoff recalls. “A century ago, Shemp was the original Stooge. He was the constant. He saved the act. And nobody had ever told his story.”
That injustice became his obsession. He interviewed comedians, historians, and family members. He traveled across North America, dug through forgotten archives, and pieced together a life lost to time.
The result? Much More Than a Stooge: Shemp Howard—the first-ever biography of the original Three Stooges member. A labor of love that took years and nearly cost him his life.

Publications

The Geoff Dale Library

Decades of passion, research, and storytelling—captured in three essential volumes.

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The Fine Art of Boxing No Stooge in the Ring

A fictionalized “what if” story exploring Larry Fine’s early days as a gritty amateur boxer. Blending fact with imagination, it reveals a side of the beloved Stooge few ever knew.

Much More Than a Stooge Shemp Howard

The first-ever biography of the original Three Stooges member. 396 pages of untold stories, rare photos, and exclusive interviews with comedy legends who admired him.

The Curly-Joe Biography (Coming Soon)

The only book ever written on Joe DeRita—the last member of The Three Stooges, known to eternity as Curly-Joe. A deep dive into his life before, during, and after the act.

Archive

Inside The Geoff Dale Archive

One Man’s Mission to Save Comedy’s Past
While most archives gather dust, The Geoff Dale Archive breathes life into history. Built over five decades of relentless research, it houses a staggering collection of documents, photographs, and recordings that tell the true stories of comedy’s most underrated icons.
Decades of research. Thousands of newspaper clippings. Rare photographs. Historical documents. Interviews. Correspondence.

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Document

Original Production Ledger – Disorder in the Court’ (1936)

A gripping tale of resilience and self-discovery that follows one woman's journey across three continents — blending memoir, adventure, and philosophy into an unforgettable read.
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Document

Original Production Ledger – Disorder in the Court’ (1936)

A gripping tale of resilience and self-discovery that follows one woman's journey across three continents — blending memoir, adventure, and philosophy into an unforgettable read.
Read More
Document

Original Production Ledger – Disorder in the Court’ (1936)

A gripping tale of resilience and self-discovery that follows one woman's journey across three continents — blending memoir, adventure, and philosophy into an unforgettable read.
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Kind Words from Readers

A glimpse into what readers are saying about Geoff’s books.

Media

Media & Interviews

A collection of: Podcast appearances, Television interviews, Newspaper articles, Book reviews, Press coverage,
Public speaking engagements

Press KIt

FUll Author Biography (Long Form)

2,500-word comprehensive biography
download

FUll Author Biography (Long Form)

2,500-word comprehensive biography
download

FUll Author Biography (Long Form)

2,500-word comprehensive biography
download

FUll Author Biography (Long Form)

2,500-word comprehensive biography
download

Interview Information

Original songs and compositions that express and connect.

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Book Project

Follow Progress ➜

A personal writing journey. Updates from my upcoming book

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Book Project

Follow Progress ➜

Current Research

Preserving Comedy History

Geoff is currently researching what is expected to become the first full-length biography dedicated to Joe DeRita, the final member of The Three Stooges.

The project draws upon:

  • Rare archives
  • Burlesque history
  • Newspaper collections
  • Library research
  • Personal interviews
  • Historical photographs

Every discovery brings new insight into one of comedy’s most misunderstood performers.

Original songs and compositions that express and connect.

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Book Project

Follow Progress ➜

Kind Words from Readers

I’ve been watching The Three Stooges since I was a kid, but I never knew Shemp’s real story. This book opened my eyes. He wasn’t just a replacement for Curly—he was a talented guy who held his own with the biggest stars of his time. Geoff Dale did his homework, and it shows.

Sam R

Lifelong Stooges Fan

I picked this up because I wanted to learn more about old Hollywood. What I got was a deep dive into a man who worked with everyone—John Wayne, W.C. Fields, Abbott and Costello. The research is incredible. I couldn’t put it down.

Lisa M

Film History Enthusiast

I’m not a hardcore Stooges fan, but I love a good biography. Geoff Dale writes like he’s sitting across from you, telling you a story. It’s not dry or academic. It’s engaging and human. I finished it feeling like I actually knew Shemp Howard.

Tom K

Casual Reader

What I loved most about this book is that it doesn’t try to rewrite history. It just tells the truth—that Shemp Howard was funny, talented, and incredibly underrated. Geoff Dale gives him the respect he deserves.

Karen W

Comedy Lover

I own dozens of Stooges books, but this is the first one that’s ever made me feel like I actually understood Shemp. Geoff Dale digs deep—into his childhood, his family, his career, his struggles. It’s a beautiful tribute.

Mark T

Three Stooges Collector

I never thought I’d read a book that mixes boxing and The Three Stooges, but this one works. Geoff Dale takes Larry Fine’s real-life boxing past and spins it into a fun ‘what if’ story. It’s creative, entertaining, and gives you a whole new appreciation for Larry.

Dave P

Boxing & Comedy Fan

I went into this knowing almost nothing about Larry Fine. I came out wanting to know more. The blend of fact and fiction is done really well—you’re never quite sure what’s real and what’s imagined, and that’s part of the fun. A great, light read.

Rachel S

Book Club Member

Larry Fine was always the ‘middle guy’ to me, but this book made me see him differently. A violinist who boxed? That’s wild. Geoff Dale brings that side of him to life in a way that feels fresh and unexpected. I really enjoyed it.

Chris H

New Fan