Laurel and Hardy

Iconic English-American comedy duo known for slapstick humor and inseparable friendship.

Chronology: 1890 – 1965

Origins & Early Life

Laurel and Hardy were a double act from 1927 to 1955, consisting of Englishman Stan Laurel (1890–1965) and American Oliver Hardy (1892–1957). Starting their career as a team in the silent film era, they transitioned easily to the new talking pictures and became internationally famous for their slapstick comedy. Laurel's character was clumsy and childlike; Hardy's was domineering and genteel, but both were inseparable friends. Their theme song, known variously as "The Cuckoo Song", "Ku-Ku", or "The Dance of the Cuckoos" (by Hollywood composer T.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Marvin Hatley) was heard over their films' opening credits, and became as identified with them as their derby hats. Before becoming a team, both had well-established film careers. Stan Laurel had been a vaudeville performer on European and American stages before joining the film industry in 1917; he was primarily a comedian but was also a talented writer and director. Oliver Hardy entered the film business as a theater projectionist, and became an actor in 1913. They first appeared together in 1921—purely by chance—in the short film The Lucky Dog, but did not encounter each other again until 1925, when both were working at the Hal Roach film...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Source: Wikipedia