Born in Bolton, Lancashire, Aubrey was the son of US born gymnast
Robert Aubrey. Later a member of the Fred Karno variety troupe, he
first traveled to New York in 1900, then settled permanently after
emigrating from London, on August 29, 1908. An early understudy of
Charlie Chaplin, he later achieved leading status during the silents
era (Oliver Hardy once providing support). Following his career decline
as a starring performer, he was initially given work by Laurel & Hardy,
before embarking on a career as a bit-part player in over 300 features.
Comedian who had his own film series of comedies from 1919-21 in which
Oliver Hardy usually appeared as a villain. Played small parts in a few
Laurel & Hardy movies and bit parts in many films of the 1930s and
1940s, mainly as a drunk.