When planning this site it was my intention to dedicate it solely to British born comics. I was soon to discover that there would be an injustice committed if I did not include Oliver Hardy So as a unique exception I have placed him alongside his partner Stan Laurel. What a fine mess I would have got myself into with Laurel and Hardy fans. So in order to satisfy them and prevent such an injustice here he is.

Born Norvell Hardy on 18 January 1892 in Harlem, Georgia,  Oliver Hardy was once described as a Georgian Southern gentleman, and this is exactly what he was. Originally destined for a military career thankfully he chose to pursue his love of the movies. Alongside Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy created one of the best loved comedy duo's off all time. Like Stan, Oliver was a master of comedy timing with his long withering stare, and pompous gesturing.  Around the Hal Roach studio Laurel and Hardy were known as "civilized violence, mutual abuse, or reciprocal destruction."

Oliver died in 1957 eight years before Stan. Throughout their career it is said they enjoyed a perfectly harmonious relationship both on and off screen.