Stan Laurel

The English comic actor, who died in 1965, was one half of the legendary comedy duo Laurel and Hardy. The two funnymen are portrayed by Steve Coogan and ...

During this period their fame had started to dwindle, and they eventually severed ties with Hollywood. “When it became clear to everyone that Mae was holding Laurel back both in his career and his love life – to everyone, that is, except Mae – she was paid to disappear.” The English comic actor, who died in 1965, was one half of the legendary comedy duo Laurel and Hardy. The two funnymen are portrayed by Steve Coogan and John C Reilly in ‘Stan & Ollie’ on BBC Two tonight. But, according to the writer, there were fears that Mae was holding Stan back in his career and the pair split. According to author John Connolly, the comedian “regretted” splitting up with his wife as his love life got “complicated”. STAN LAUREL "regretted" splitting up with his wife as his love life got "complicated", according to an unearthed book about his life.