This fascinating biography traces the life and times of one of the best-loved film comics of all time. Through a frustrating childhood to worldwide renown as half of the greatest comedy team in history of Hollywood, Hardy's interest in films and film-making developed as he began to watch some of the comedies that were being made. In 1913 at the age of 21, he moved to Jacksonville, Florida, to join Lubin Motion Pictures and launch a long and hilarious career. John McCabe, the autrhorised biographer if Laurel and Hardy, reveals here however that Babe's life was not always all laughter and fun. Despite many thrilling moments of professional triumph, his performance was overshadowed by the depressing paradox that all his life he had despised being overweight, yet his comically identity relied on him remaining that way. This definitive biography does full justice to Oliver Hardy's genius, bringing to life a colourful career and an extraordinary man.