The memorable and iconic comedian Oliver Hardy was born on this day in 1892
He was one of the first comedy movie stars, as one half of duo Laurel and Hardy, with British comedian Stan Laurel, he became famous worldwide with the pair’s movies that begun in the era of silent films
The memorable and iconic comedian Oliver Hardy was born on this day in 1892
A Brief Overlook on Oliver Hardy’s life and career
Oliver Hardy was one of the first comedy movie stars, as one half of duo Laurel and Hardy, with British comedian Stan Laurel, he became famous worldwide with the pair’s movies that begun in the era of silent films and lasted from 1927 to 1955. In character, his image today remains as iconic as the one of Charlie Chaplin’s vagabond, a part of the world’s collective memory and imaginary. Born in Harlem, Georgia on January 18, 1892, Hardy is credited with his first film Outwitting Dad in 1914, and before joining producer Hal Roach, he was billed on screen as “Babe Hardy.” The Laurel and Hardy movie series were serious box office success, but as the pair grew old, also the producers started to lack of interest in their act, during a turning point for the Hollywood movie history that had begun their Golden Age. In 1954 Oliver Hardy suffered a mild heart attack, which for the first time, made him seriously looking after his health. He lost more than 150 pounds (68kg) in a few months which completely changed his appearance, but letters written by Stan Laurel refer to Hardy having terminal cancer, which for some was the real reason for the actor’s rapid weight loss. Two years later, in 1956, he suffered a major stroke, which left him confined to bed and unable to speak for several months, remaining at home in the care of his wife Lucille. Sadly, after suffering two more strokes in 1957, Oliver Hardy slipped into a coma and died from cerebral thrombosis on August 7, 1957, at age 65. His partner Laurel was too ill to attend the funeral, but said that “Babe would understand.” Stan Laurel passed away in 1965. In 2018 “Stan & Ollie”, a biopic that focused on the latest years of Laurel and Hardy life and career was released starring Steve Coogan as Laurel and John C. Reilly as Hardy. To remember this great comedian born 132 years ago today, entertain yourself with five feature films from Laurel and Hardy.
5 – Towed in a Hole, 1932
4 – Our Relations, 1936
3 – Saps at Sea, 1940
2 – Way Out West, 1937 (trailer)
1 – Twice Two, 1933
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