Ted Healy was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “The Three Stooges,” “Operator 13,” and “Mad Love.” He was born Ernest Lee Nash on October 1, 1896, in Kaufman, Texas, and became a prominent figure in vaudeville and early film.
Personal and Family Life
Ted Healy was married twice; his first wife was Betty Brown from 1922 to 1932, and he married Alma Elizabeth Hickman in 1936, with whom he had a son named John Jacob Nash. Ted’s son later changed his name to Theodore John Healy and graduated from Annapolis. Healy had a close relationship with his family, although his professional life often affected it due to his struggles with alcohol.
Career
As a performer, Healy began his career in vaudeville where he eventually teamed up with Moe and Shemp Howard, creating a comedy act that would later evolve into “The Three Stooges.” He was known to be a high-paid comic, earning $30,000 per week in the early 1930s. However, his increasing reliance on alcohol led to conflicts with his fellow performers, contributing to the end of their collaboration.
Death and Legacy
Ted Healy passed away on December 21, 1937, in Los Angeles due to acute toxic nephritis. His death occurred just days after the birth of his son, which added a tragic note to his legacy. Despite his struggles, Healy’s impact on comedy and entertainment, particularly with The Three Stooges, continues to be remembered by fans and historians alike.