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 bitpart player in over 300 features