The Last Laugh: Marilyn Howard Ellman, Curly’s Daughter, Dies at 86

The world knew him as Curly—the wild-eyed, slapstick genius of the Three Stooges. But behind the manic grins and pratfalls was a man whose personal life was far more subdued. And at the heart of that life was Marilyn Howard Ellman, his youngest daughter, who has just passed away at 86.

Born in 1938, Marilyn’s early years were marked by the absence of her father, whose career kept him on the road. Their interactions were limited, often confined to weekends, and later, hospital visits after Curly suffered a debilitating stroke in 1946. Despite the distance, Marilyn’s memories paint a picture of a man who, away from the spotlight, was gentle and affectionate. “My mom vividly remembers how much he loved animals,” her son, Bradley Server, shared. “She would always play with a dog he had. And he absolutely adored this dog that stood by him until the end.”

A Life Shaped by Legacy

Marilyn’s life was indelibly marked by her father’s fame. After his death in 1952, she was adopted by her mother’s second husband, Moe Diamond. She graduated from North Hollywood High School and attended USC for two years before working as a procurement buyer in the electronics industry. Marilyn married twice and had two children, Darren and Andrea, and a granddaughter, Elizabeth.

Her son, Bradley Server, has embraced the family legacy, performing slapstick comedy under the stage name Curly G. “We feel like we’re giving back by promoting slapstick comedy,” he said, continuing the tradition of humor that defined his grandfather’s career.

A Silent Legacy

Despite her father’s fame, Marilyn led a life away from the public eye. Her son reflects on the complexity of their family history, noting, “We were so excited to learn this but we certainly couldn’t tell people. No one would believe us.” The revelation of their lineage came later in life, adding layers to their understanding of family and legacy.

The Final Curtain

Marilyn Howard Ellman’s passing marks the end of an era for the Howard family. Her death, from heart failure in Simi Valley, was confirmed by her son. As the last living child of Curly Howard, she carried with her the stories and memories of a man who brought laughter to millions but kept his personal life largely private.

In the world of comedy, where the line between performance and reality often blurs, Marilyn’s life reminds us of the human stories behind the laughter. Her legacy, intertwined with that of her father’s, continues to resonate, offering a glimpse into the complexities of fame, family, and the enduring power of comedy.