An Abiding Friendship and Laughter for the World The Story of Laurel and Hardy
Epicurus, the Greek philosopher, said that “Friendship dances around the world announcing to all of us that we must wake up to blessedness.” Cicero commented, “Epicurus says that of all things which contribute to a blessed life none is more important, more fruitful, or more pleasing than friendship.”
This is a story about the long friendship between Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Laurel and Hardy gave immense joy and happiness to millions around the world. Their gift of laughter was a result of an abiding friendship between them and a manifestation of their being “friends to all mankind.”
Beginnings in the new movie industry
Before they met and began acting together, Laurel and Hardy gained many years of movie-making experience, fine-tuning and perfecting their acting talents. In their early lives, the two also faced tragedies and the loss of loved family members.
Laurel was born in England in 1890 into a theatrical family. His father was a theatre manager, and his mother was a stage actress. While his mother and father toured the country with their theatre group, Laurel spent his early childhood with his maternal grandparents. Laurel was well looked after, but it was a lonely childhood. At the age of sixteen…
