Orphaned at the tender age of twelve, Sitka's life took a dramatic turn as he found himself under the care of a priest in the city of Pittsburgh. It was during this period that he developed a passion for acting, a passion that would shape the trajectory of his life.
As the Great Depression set in, Sitka's journey took a nomadic turn as he rode the rails, living the life of a hobo for years. His travels eventually brought him to the vibrant city of Hollywood in 1936, where he would embark on a journey that would change his life forever.
Sitka's early days in Hollywood were marked by theatre work, including stints as a director, which eventually caught the attention of a talent scout. This led to a contract with Columbia Studios, marking the beginning of a successful career in the world of film.
Famous for his versatility in playing character roles in slapstick comedy, Sitka claims to have appeared in an astonishing 450 movies. He became a regular fixture in shorts and feature films, working alongside the legendary Three Stooges. In fact, he made a staggering thirty-five shorts with the boys before 1958, cementing his status as a beloved member of the Stooge family.
Sitka holds the impressive distinction of appearing with each of the six Stooges, including Moe, Shemp, and Curly Howard; Larry Fine; Joe Besser; and Joe DeRita. However, it was his iconic role as a justice of the peace that brought him lasting fame among Stooge fans.
In this role, Sitka's character would begin every service with the now-famous phrase, "Hold hands, you love birds". This catchphrase would become a staple of Stooge lore, with fans often requesting that he repeat it during their own wedding ceremonies.
