The Three Stooges were an American vaudeville and comedy act of the early to mid–20th century, best known for their numerous Columbia short subject films which are still syndicated on television. Their hallmark was physical farce and slapstick. In films, the Stooges were commonly known by their first names of "Moe, Larry, and Curly" or "Moe, Larry, and Shemp" (among other lineups, depending on the particular film). There were a total of six stooges over the act's run, with only three active at any given time. Moe and Larry were always present during the film era throughout the ensemble's run of more than forty years.