Steve Coogan claims that Laurel and Hardy were like a married couple.
The ‘Stan and Ollie’ actor – who is playing Stan Laurel in the biographical film about the iconic comedy duo – revealed that the two entertainers had an amazing relationship which was more like a marriage than a friendship.
The ‘Night At The Museum’ star told Premiere Scene: "It was like a marriage, really. It was more successful than the literal marriages that they had in their lives.
"Actually, the one constant person in both of their lives was each other, more than their wives or partners. So it’s an examination of a long friendship, really."
The 52-year-old star appeared with alongside John C. Reily – who portrays Oliver Hardy – at the world premiere of the movie in matching kilts, as a tribute to the film’s director Jon S Baird, who is originally from Aberdeen.
The first screening of ‘Stan and Ollie’ – which was at the closing night gala for the BFI London Film Festival in Leicester Square – also saw co-star Rufus Jones and screenwriter Jeff Pope in attendance.
The film tells the story of the cherished comedy double act and their farewell tour, including how the pair’s love of performing – as well as their love for each other – endured immense pressure as the pair embarked on one final variety hall run.
Reily mused about the comedic duo’s tumultuous friendship, explaining that the pair experience "a lot of ups and downs".
He added: "It was a pretty hardy relationship actually. They were together for a long, long time. They went through a lot of ups and downs together."
Steve Coogan says Laurel and Hardy were like a married couple
