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How Would Hardy "Stack Up" Against Hollywood's Legendary Portly figures?

posted a year ago by FootOfDavros (7211)
3 replies | jump to latest

Just watching Stan & Ollie on This Is Your Life and he cuts quite the portly (the socially acceptable term for what previously would have been referred to fat / chunky / lardy) figure.

But that got me thinking - Who do you think would take the crown as Hollywood's GOAT portly figure?

Obvious contenders for the crown:-

John Candy
John Goodman
George Wendt
Chris Farley
Wayne Knight

Anyone else?

How would you rank these "heavyweights" in terms of all time greatness? Would Oliver Hardy take the crown or could any of these guys challenge him?

(Note: I'm excluding Marlon Brando as his portly fame really came post Hollywood fame)

[–] Callahan7 (965) 6 months ago

I won't comment on GOAT. All performers you list are unique and talented.

"Anyone else?"

Yes. Jackie Gleason. Oliver Hardy was athletic and graceful despite his bulk. So was Gleason.

Both excelled at physical comedy and were able to do funny and difficult stunts.

[–] PaladinNJ (20512) 14 days ago

Roscoe Arbuckle was also extremely skilled at physical comedy. Despite his bulk he could do handstands and somersaults.

[–] Callahan7 (965) 3 days ago

Interesting. Thanks for the reply.

During the silent era comedy performers had to have athletic skills. Charlie Chaplin. Buster Keaton was incredible. Large performers like Oliver Hardy, Eric Campbell, and Roscoe Arbuckle also.