Oliver Hardy Oliver Hardy Oliver Norvell Hardy (born Norvell Hardy, January 18, 1892 – August 7, 1957) was an American comic actor and one half of Laurel and Hardy, the double act that began in the era of silent films and lasted from 1927 to 1951. He appeared with Stan Laurel in 107 short films, feature films, and cameo roles. He was credited with his first film "Outwitting Dad" in 1914. In some of his early works, he was billed as "Babe Hardy". Oliver Hardy was born Norvell Hardy in Harlem, Georgia. His father Oliver was a Confederate veteran who had been
Oliver Hardy often using new sketches and material that Laurel had written for them. In 1949, Hardy's friend John Wayne asked him to play a supporting role in "The Fighting Kentuckian". Hardy had previously worked with Wayne and John Ford in a charity production of the play "What Price Glory?" while Laurel began treatment for his diabetes a few years previously. He was initially hesitant, but he accepted the role at Laurel's insistence. Frank Capra invited him to play a cameo role in "Riding High" with Bing Crosby in 1950. During 1950–51, Laurel and Hardy made their final film "Atoll K" (also