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Oliver HardyAmerican comedian
Date of Birth: .
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Early Career in Show Business
- Entry into Film
- Collaborations with Charlie Chaplin
- Meeting Stan Laurel
- The Formation of Laurel and Hardy
- Rise to Stardom
- Academy Award and Personal Life
- World War II and Later Career
- Later Years and Legacy
- Awards and Recognition
Early Life and Education
Oliver Norvell Hardy was born on January 18, 1892, in Harlem, Georgia. His father, Oliver Harvey, fought in the American Civil War and his mother, Emily Norvell, descended from a prominent family with ancestral ties to the Revolutionary War.
Early Career in Show Business
After briefly attending military academy, Hardy pursued music and theater. He ran away from boarding school and joined a traveling theatrical troupe. In 1910, he adopted his father's name as his own middle name.
Entry into Film
In 1913, Hardy moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where he began singing at vaudeville venues and working at a movie studio. He made his film debut in the Lubin Studios comedy "Outwitting Dad" under the name O.N. Hardy.
Collaborations with Charlie Chaplin
Hardy moved to New York City in 1915 and appeared in numerous films for various studios. He often starred alongside Charlie Chaplin, emulating the comedian's signature persona.
Meeting Stan Laurel
In 1917, Hardy moved to Los Angeles and worked on several Hollywood productions. He first appeared alongside Stan Laurel in Bronco Billy Anderson's comedy "The Lucky Dog."
The Formation of Laurel and Hardy
Hardy and Laurel reunited in 1925 at Hal Roach Studios. They began working together in earnest in 1927, creating a partnership that would become legendary in cinematic history.
Rise to Stardom
Laurel and Hardy starred in a series of short comedies in the late 1920s and early 1930s, including "The Battle of the Century," "The Perfect Day," and "Another Fine Mess." Their first feature film, "Pardon Us," was released in 1931.
Academy Award and Personal Life
In 1932, "The Music Box" earned Laurel and Hardy the Academy Award for Best Short Comedy. Despite their professional success, Hardy's personal life was marred by alcoholism and marital difficulties.
World War II and Later Career
During World War II, Laurel and Hardy performed for American troops through USO tours. They transitioned to feature films for major studios like 20th Century Fox and MGM, but their box office success waned.
Later Years and Legacy
In the late 1940s, Laurel and Hardy's film career declined. They embarked on successful international tours and made occasional film appearances. Oliver Hardy died in 1957 at the age of 65 from complications related to multiple strokes.
Awards and Recognition
- Academy Award for Best Short Comedy (1932) - "The Music Box"- Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Included in Entertainment Weekly's "45 Greatest Movie Stars of All Time"
