(October 17, 1945 - July 22, 1946) (divorced)
Moe urged Curly to find himself a wife, hoping it would persuade his brother to finally settle down and allow his health to improve somewhat. After a two-week courtship, he married Marion Buxbaum on October 17, 1945, a union which lasted approximately three months. The divorce proceeding was a bitter one, exacerbated by exploitation in the local media. After the divorce, his health fell into rapid and devastating decline.
In 1945, Curly’s lifestyle was getting the better of him, and his performance on set was deteriorating. Moe forced him to be admitted to the hospital where he was diagnosed with hypertension and obesity, among other things. Moe was convinced that Curly’s deterioration was due to his recent divorce and loneliness without Elaine, so he introduced Curly to a relative of the theater manager. Her name was Marion Buxbaum, and Curly took to her instantly. They were married on October 17, 1945, after having known each other for two weeks. Instantly he became a stepfather to Marion’s ten year old son from a previous marriage.