About Geoff

About 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.

Journalism: The Foundation of a Lifetime

Geoff’s journalism career spans five decades and multiple provinces. He cut his teeth in the rough-and-tumble world of community newspapers, working as a reporter, photographer, editor, and layout person for publications across Canada.

His journey began in the 1970s when he started submitting film, pop music, and theater reviews to The Hamilton Spectator—a gig that paid the bills while he worked manual labor jobs. But it wasn’t long before his talent was undeniable.

From there, he took the big plunge—moving across the country to Newfoundland, where he spent four years as a reporter, photographer, and layout person for a community newspaper in Grand Falls-Windsor. It was there that he discovered his love for visual storytelling, capturing moments that words alone couldn’t express.

His career highlights include:

  • Entertainment Editor, Managing Editor, and Photographerfor The Sunday Express in St. John’s, Newfoundland—a progressive newspaper run by Canada’s leading investigative journalist, Michael Harris. (1986-1988)
  • Editor, Writer, and Photographerfor the Tillsonburg News (1988)
  • Reporter and Lifestyle Editorfor the Daily Sentinel-Review in Woodstock, covering business, labor, and agriculture—and making history as the paper’s first male lifestyle editor
  • Editor and Layout Personfor the Ingersoll Times (1996-1998)

Beyond the newsroom, Geoff has contributed to Canada’s most respected publications, including The Globe and MailLondon Free PressTranscontinental Media, and numerous others.

But the awards tell the real story. In 1978, he won the Atlantic Canadian Newspaper Photographic Award—a recognition of his keen eye and dedication to capturing truth through the lens.

Broadcasting: A Voice That Resonates

Geoff’s talents extend far beyond the written word. His voice has reached audiences across Canada through the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) —the nation’s premier public broadcaster.

As a freelance contributor, he produced radio features on the arts, covering everything from the Winnipeg Ballet Company to intimate interviews with entertainers who shaped Canada’s cultural landscape.

But his broadcasting career has taken on a new life in the digital age. Geoff has become a sought-after podcast guest, appearing on shows around the world to share his deep knowledge of pop culture, comedy history, and the underrated legends of The Three Stooges.

His podcast appearances include:

  • The Online Movie Showwith Phil Hall
  • Checky Brain Podcast
  • Fun Ideas Podcast

Whether he’s breaking down Shemp Howard’s comedic genius or sharing his near-death survival story, Geoff’s warm, authoritative voice captivates audiences. He doesn’t just talk about history—he makes you feel it.

Photography

Capturing Moments That Matter

Geoff’s storytelling isn’t limited to words. He’s also a skilled photographer with an eye for composition that has earned him awards and recognition.

In 1978, he won the Atlantic Canadian Newspaper Photographic Award—a testament to his ability to capture the human condition through a lens. His work has been published in calendars, brochures, and newspapers across Canada.

His photography isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about storytelling. Whether he’s documenting a town council meeting, capturing a farmer at work, or photographing a cultural event, Geoff’s images tell stories that words alone couldn’t convey.

Today, his photography portfolio serves as a visual complement to his written work—a reminder that sometimes, a single image can speak volumes.

Research & Historical Preservation: Uncovering the Past

Geoff’s work goes beyond journalism and photography—he is a dedicated researcher and archivist with a passion for preserving history.

His research projects include:

  • Commissioned book on the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Autoworkers Union—a deep dive into the history of Canada’s labor movement
  • 100th anniversary book for Execulink Communications—chronicling the evolution of a communications firm rooted in Woodstock and Oxford County
  • Extensive research on The Three Stooges—uncovering forgotten archives, interviewing family members, and piecing together the untold stories of Shemp, Larry, and Curly-Joe

His research is driven by one simple mission: preserve remarkable stories for future generations. Whether he’s digging through dusty archives, tracking down long-lost relatives, or interviewing historians, Geoff leaves no stone unturned.

He believes that if you don’t write it down, it disappears. And he’s determined to make sure these stories survive.

Teaching & Mentorship: Sharing the Craft

Geoff’s passion for storytelling extends beyond his own work. He has also given back to his community through education.

He taught evening writing courses to adult students at Fanshawe College in Woodstock, sharing his decades of experience with aspiring writers. His students didn’t just learn about grammar and structure—they learned about the discipline, persistence, and love of language that defines a true writer.

Geoff believes that great writing comes from listening. Listen to people. Listen to their stories. And then find the words to tell them honestly.

His teaching legacy lives on in the writers he mentored—many of whom went on to pursue careers in journalism, publishing, and creative writing.

Personal Life & Legacy: The Man Behind the Words

Born in London, England on December 30, 1950, Geoff moved to Canada in November 1955. He arrived in New York City on the Queen Mary—ironically, just days after Shemp Howard’s death. A sign of things to come, perhaps?

He has called Ontario home for most of his life, but his journey has taken him across the country and back again—always chasing the next story.

But the most defining moment of his life came in 2021, when he survived a life-threatening battle with sepsis.

Rushed back to the hospital after a successful operation, Geoff’s blood pressure dropped to a terrifying 40/50. He was dying. He saw the bright light. But the skilled ER team at Woodstock Hospital brought him back.

When he woke up, he had one thought: “I’m finishing this damn book.”

That book—Much More Than a Stooge: Shemp Howard—became his magnum opus. The first-ever biography of the original Three Stooges member. A labor of love that nearly cost him his life.

But Geoff didn’t stop there. He’s now working on another first-of-its-kind book—a biography of Joe DeRita (Curly-Joe), the last member of The Three Stooges.

Today, Geoff continues to write, research, and speak about the forgotten legends of comedy. His work is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and preserving history—one story at a time.

He may have been born in England, but his voice is Canadian. His heart belongs to the underdog. And his legacy is written in ink.

A Final Word from Geoff:

“The Three Stooges aren’t as stupid as you think. There’s more to them than smacking or poking each other in the eye. It’s about the cultural impact, the vaudeville era, the Jewish influence, and the underdog spirit. That’s why I write.”

Explore His Books
Dive into the untold stories of Shemp Howard, Larry Fine, and Joe DeRita.