Arthur Stanley "Stan" Jefferson (16 June 1890 – 23 February 1965), better known as
Stan Laurel, was an
English comic actor, writer and film director, famous as the first half of the comedy team
Laurel and Hardy."Obituary."
Variety, March 3, 1965, p. 69. His film acting career stretched between 1917 and 1951 and included a starring role in the Academy Award winning film
The Music Box (1932). In 1961, Laurel was given a Lifetime Achievement
Academy Award for his pioneering work in comedy. He has a Star on the
Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7021 Hollywood Blvd.
Early life
Arthur Stanley Jefferson was born in his grandparents' house on 16 June 1890 at 3 Argyle Street,
Ulverston,Midwinter, Eric.
Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, 2006. Retrieved 20 March 2010. then in
Lancashire (but now part of the
ceremonial county of
Cumbria). He had three siblings - two brothers and a sister.
His parents, Arthur and Margaret ("Madge") Jefferson, were both active in the theatre and always very busy. In his early years, he spent much time living with his grandmother Sarah Metcalfe. Stan Jefferson attended school at King James I Grammar School,
Bishop Auckland,
County Durham The Laurel & Hardy Forum. Retrieved 20 March 2010. and
The King's School, Tynemouth, before moving with his parents to
Glasgow, Scotland, where he completed his...
Read More