Emil Sitka

Actor. He received notoriety as a prolific American character actor in both film and television. At times, he had roles with only a few lines and not named in the credits. Known as "the Fourth Stooge," he is one of two actors who played the "straight man" to all six actors of the famous comedian group the Three Stooges. Born the oldest of five children, his parents were Slavic immigrants. As a twelve-year-old, he became an orphan when his father died, a coal miner with black lung disease, and his mother started a long-term involuntary hospitalization for depression. His younger four siblings were placed in foster care, but he found a home in a Pittsburgh church with a Roman Catholic priest. At first, he thought about becoming a priest, but became interested in acting when he had a role in the church's yearly Passion Play. At the age of sixteen, he and one of his brothers spent a year riding the rails. Upon their return to Pittsburgh, he found employment in a factory. He left town again after the great St. Patrick's Day Pittsburgh Flood of 1936, moving to Hollywood, where he found employment in a small theatre. To supplement his income, he had a regular job during the day. During this time, he married Donna Driscoll, with whom he would eventually have seven children. Working both as an actor and director, he eventually received the attention of a talent scout in 1946, signing him to a contract with Columbia Studios, where he became a very prolific character actor in comedies, both features and short subjects. His first screen appearance came in "Hiss and Yell," starring Vera Vague. The many stars he supported included Jack Lemmon, Walter Brennan, Red Skelton, Mickey Rooney, Betty Grable, Tyrone Power, Milton Berle, Lucille Ball, Glenn Ford, Joey Bishop, and of course, the Three Stooges. His association with the Three Stooges, with whom he made 35 short subjects and four features, is what he is best remembered for today. His first role with them was the 1936 short film, "Half-Wits' Holiday," in which he played a butler. His most famous line was "Hold hands, you lovebirds," which was a quote from their 1947 short film, "Brideless Groom." He was asked to become the latest third Stooge after Larry Fine suffered a debilitating stroke on January 9, 1970 during the filming of "Kook's Tour." Sitka considered this a great honor and was only too happy to accept the offer, but shortly afterwards in 1975, Moe Howard died, along with the Three Stooges, and the project never came to fruition. He continued to act even in his later years, motivated by a love of acting more than needing the money. His final film role came in 1992, in the movie "Nutt House." He had experienced a new surge in popularity during his last few decades due to a new generation getting acquainted with his films, and he was known for answering his fan mail, sending greeting and holiday cards, and regular correspondence. In June of 1997, Sitka suffered a massive stroke, never regained consciousness, and dying seven months later.