Hardy’s Impact in the Comedy Industry
Jack Hill (1887-1963), US actor, Oliver Hardy (1892-1957), US comedian, and Stan Laurel (1890-1965), British comedian, in a colourised image issued as publicity for the film, ‘Liberty’, USA, 1929. The comedy short was directed by Leo McCarey (1898-1969) (Photo by Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images)
Many people believe that even Laurel and Hardy still have a significant influence on the industry. Critics feel that there has been very little done differently from what the comedian duo was doing more than two decades ago. This is proved by the fact that the work of both comedians continued to be celebrated even after their death. Of the two famous comedians, Hardy seems to have had a more significant influence in the industry than many people had thought. Laurel reported refused to perform after the passing of his friend and long-term partner Hardy had passed on. Many of their fans felt that no one could replace him in his role in the duo.