**Oliver Hardy** (born Norvell Hardy; Harlem, Georgia, 1892 – North Hollywood, California, 1957) was an American comedic actor, universally known as the larger half of the legendary comedy duo Laurel & Hardy (known as Stanlio and Ollio in Italy).

His character, "Ollio," was the more authoritative and often frustrated element of the pair, contrasted with Stan Laurel's naivety. Their celebrated partnership began during the silent film era and flourished with the advent of sound, producing hundreds of short films and feature films.

Among their successes, the short film *The Music Box* (1932) won an Academy Award. Other notable films include *Sons of the Desert* (1933) and *Way Out West* (1937). His style was characterized by expressions of exasperation, the famous tie-twiddle, and his iconic direct-to-camera gaze. Hardy is remembered as one of the giants of cinematic comedy.