What musical instrument did Larry Fine play with skill?

Larry Fine, born Louis Feinberg (1902-1975), was an actor, comedian, violinist, and boxer.

When he was a child, Larry's arm was accidentally burned with acid in his father's jewelry store. His parents decided to get him violin lessons to strengthen the damaged muscles in his forearm. Eventually, they wanted to send him to a European music conservatory because he became so good. Unfortunately, this was not to be, due to the breakout of World War 1.

Of the Three Stooges, when all three were playing fiddles, only Larry was truly playing. The other two were miming.

Larry also took up boxing in his youth to strengthen his arm. Not liking this, his parents quickly put an end to it.

Larry was married in 1926 to a fellow vaudeville actress, Mabel Haney. Together they had 2 children, and were married until she died in 1967. He was about to go on stage when he got the news. He flew to California immediately, leaving the other Stooges one man short.

On January 9, 1970, Larry had a stroke that paralyzed the left side of his body, thus ending his performing career. He spent the rest of his days in a retirement home, but he was still entertaining, if on a small scale. He did what he could to entertain his fellow patients.

He had several additional strokes, to finally died on January 24, 1975. He was interred in a crypt at Glendale's Forest Lawn Memorial Cemetery with his wife Mabel and son Joe.