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History:

Sold on April 6, 2005

4425 W. Russell Avenue was the home of actor Oliver Hardy in 1924.

Oliver Hardy, who became an icon of early American cinema comedy, was born in 1892 in Harlem, Georgia. His early singing talents brought him into the minstrel show circuit by the time he was eight. He began to act in film comedies in 1913 with the Lubin Company in Florida.

He moved to Los Angeles in 1917. By the time he first appeared with his future partner Stan Laurel in “The Lucky Dog” (1921), he was already a veteran with 226 productions under his belt. During this period, he lived at several residences in the immediate neighborhood.

His first longer film with Laurel was in 1926, and they were first given star billing in “From Soup to Nuts” in 1928. Through the 1930s, they were one of filmdom’s reigning comedic duos, and while Hardy’s career slowed dramatically after 1940, by the time of his retirement in 1951, he had been featured in over 400 films! His partnership with Laurel had lasted 31 years (1926-1951). He passed away in 1957 in North Hollywood, California.

1920 Census:
4425 W. Russell Avenue: 1) Lawrence Z. Bergantz, owner and head of household; white married male 37 years of age; born in Nevada; father born in French Alsace Lorraine, mother in Pennsylvania; fireman in fire department. 2) Jene A. Bergantz, wife; white married female 33 years of age; born in Texas; father born in Tennessee, mother in Texas; not working. 3) Sophia J. Bergantz, mother; white female widow 65 years of age; born in Pennsylvania; parents born in German Strassberg; not working.

1930 Census:
4425 W. Russell Avenue (value $6,500): 1) Joseph A. Del Dalto, owner and head of household; white married male 47 years of age; married at age 24; born in Italy; parents born in Italy; railroad car repairman. 2) Justine P. Del Dalto, wife; white married female 28 years of age; married at age 17; born in Connecticut; parents born in Connecticut; not working. 3) Russell C. Del Dalto, son; white single male 22 years of age; born in Connecticut; in school; carpenter’s helper in a movie studio. 4) Rita P. Del Dalto, son [?]; white single male 17 years of age; in school; born in Connecticut.