Why is a Stand In for an Actor in a Movie Called a "Fake Shemp"?

TL;DR

The term "Fake Shemp" originated from The Three Stooges' use of stand-ins for missing actors, and it has since been used in various films to replace unavailable or deceased cast members.

Transcript

Whenever a director needs to finish a work without a particular actor, but needs to make it appear as if said actor is being filmed, they employ a "Fake Shemp." So who was the "Shemp" in question and how did the saying get its start in Hollywood? It all began with the Three Stooges and a particular contractual obligation. The Stooges began in vaude... Read More

Key Insights

• 👏 The term "Fake Shemp" originated from The Three Stooges' use of stand-ins for missing actors.
• 👥 Curly's declining health led to Shemp's return to the group, and after his death, the group had to find ways to complete their contractual obligations.
• 🕴️ Sam Raimi popularized the term by using it in his films, and other filmmakers have since followed suit.
• 😒 The use of Fake Shemps allows filmmakers to complete scenes without the presence of the original actors.
• 🧍 The practice of using stand-ins for missing or deceased actors has been prevalent in Hollywood for decades.
• 😃 Fake Shemps have been employed in various films, including low-budget productions and big-budget blockbusters.
• 😒 The use of recycled footage, angles that hide the stand-in's face, and creative editing techniques help maintain the illusion of the original actor's presence.

Questions & Answers

Q: Who were the original members of The Three Stooges, and how did the group change over time?

The original members were Moe and Shemp Howard, Larry Fine, and Fred Sanborn. Shemp was later replaced by Curly, and when Curly's health declined, Shemp returned to the group.

Q: How did The Three Stooges manage to complete their contract with Columbia Pictures after Shemp's death?

Moe and Larry mixed in recycled footage and used Joe Palma as a stand-in for Shemp, filming him from the back or obscuring his face to match the deceased actor.

Q: Who coined the term "Fake Shemp," and where did it gain popularity?

Filmmaker Sam Raimi is credited with coining the term while filming The Evil Dead. It gained popularity as other filmmakers also used stand-ins for missing or deceased actors.

Q: Which famous actors have had Fake Shemps used in their films?

Bela Lugosi, Gene Hackman, and Harrison Ford are among the actors who have had Fake Shemps stand-in for them in films like Plan 9 from Outer Space, Superman II, and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, respectively.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Three Stooges started as a comedy team with Ted Healy but had a falling out, leading Shemp Howard to leave the group and be replaced by his brother, Curly.

• Curly suffered from poor health and eventually passed away, prompting Shemp's return to the group.

• After Shemp's sudden death, Moe and Larry resorted to using recycled footage and a stand-in, Joe Palma, to complete their contract with Columbia Pictures.