Laurel and Hardy were a comedy duo act during the early Classical Hollywood era of American cinema, consisting of Englishman Stan Laurel and American Oliver Hardy. From the late 1920s to the mid-1940s, they were internationally famous for their slapstick comedy, with Laurel playing the clumsy, childlike friend to Hardy's pompous bully. Their signature theme song, known as "The Cuckoo Song", "Ku-Ku", or "The Dance of the Cuckoos" was heard over their films' opening credits, and become as emblematic of them as their bowler hats. Prior to emerging as a team, both had well-established film careers. Laurel had acted in over 50 films, and worked as a writer and director; while Hardy was in more than 250 productions. Both had also appeared in The Lucky Dog, but were not teamed at the time. They first appeared together in a short film in 1926, when they signed separate contracts with the Hal Roach film studio.
| Nationality | British & American |
| Years active | 1927–1955 |
| Genres | Slapstick, Comedy |
| Notable works and roles | The Music Box, Babes in Toyland, Way Out West, Helpmates, Another Fine Mess, Sons of the Desert, Block-Heads, Busy Bodies |
| Memorial(s) | Ulverston, Cumbria, England |
| Former members | Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy |
About Laurel and Hardy
Comedy duo that performed their slapstick act during the early Classical Hollywood era of American cinema. Their signature song is known variously as "The Cuckoo Song," "Ku-Ku" or "The Dance of the Cuckoos."
Achievement of Laurel and Hardy
The duo were portrayed by Steve Coogan (Laurel) and John C. Reilly (Hardy) for a 2018 film called Stan & Ollie.
Top Facts You Did Not Know About Laurel and Hardy
Laurel and Hardy Category.. Film duos.. Silent film comedians.. Hal Roach Studios short film series.. American comedy duos.. 20th Century Fox contract players.. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer contract players.. English male silent film actors.. English male comedians.
Latest information about Laurel and Hardy updated on July 28 2021.
