Stan Laurel

Stan Laurel, born Arthur Jefferson, (PROSE: ) was an actor on Earth in the early 20th century. Together with Oliver Hardy, he formed part of the comedy duo Laurel and Hardy.

Early life
Prior to his acting career, Stan Laurel was known by the name Arthur Jefferson. At some point during this period, he encountered and formed a friendship with the Doctor. (PROSE: )

Laurel and Hardy
Laurel would form a friendship with fellow actor Oliver Hardy, and together the two would form the comedy duo Laurel and Hardy. They would star in several films together, such as Sons of the Desert. (PROSE: )

Later, the duo encountered the Eleventh Doctor, who would star alongside the pair in the film The Flying Deuces. They would perform a dance routine together in the film. (TV: ) The Eleventh Doctor would encounter the pair once again, with a photograph of this occasion being seen when he was conversing with his other incarnations via the TARDIS' telepathic circuits. (WC: Doctors Assemble!)

During their hike, the Diddymen may have lent Stanley a handkerchief. (GAME: )When Basil Brush was collecting rent, Laurel & Hardy may have paid the month's rent of £25 in advance. (GAME: )

Legacy
In the 1980s, the Seventh Doctor and Bernice Summerfield attended a Laurel and Hardy convention in Ulverston. Bernice compared the Doctor's appearance to that of Stan Laurel's look from the film Sons of the Desert. The Doctor told stories of Stan to fans attending the convention, whom he considered an "old friend" and referred to by his personal name, Arthur Jefferson. (PROSE: )

Rory Williams was a fan of the movies of Laurel and Hardy, often watching them repeatedly, to Amy Pond's annoyance. (TV: )

Behind the scenes
Stan Laurel was born in Ulverston, in Lancashire. While this fact is not mentioned in the DWU, it is alluded to in the novel The Pit in which the Doctor and Bernice attend a Laurel and Hardy convention located in the town.

Forbes Masson has portrayed Stan Laurel in theatre productions, as well as playing a waxdroid version of the actor in the Red Dwarf episode .