THE LOOK-A-LIKES
Dennis "Sparkie the Clown" Moriarty (left) and Dale "Pogo the Clown" Walter Sr. as Laurel & Hardy
Dennis "Sparkie" Moriarty and Dale "Pogo" Walter Sr., both of Canton, Ohio, have been doing impersonations of Laurel and Hardy since 1992, after doing a clown act for 15 years. The resemblance of the two to the real comedy duo was noticed when Dennis and Dale were eating with their wives in a favorite ice cream shop. On display were a Laurel and Hardy collector's plate and figurine. Moriarty's wife asked him to take off his glasses and smile. When he did, all agreed, the resemblance was spooky. Walter, who plays Ollie, colored his hair black and grew a mustache to help the similarity. They studied the team's classic films for tips on mannerisms and costumes. Almost instantly, the routine was a hit.
Both Moriarty and Walter lost their positions at American Electric Power (AEP) during the corporation's "restructuring." Dale left in 1993 and Dennis in 1998. Their now supplement their pensions performing at special events, such as the Grand Parade in Harlem, Georgia honoring the birthplace of Oliver Hardy. Their most memorable experience came in July 1994 when they were in costume for 3 days at the International convention of the SONS OF THE DESERT organization, who were holding their 30th anniversary in Tarrytown, New York. There were over 300 Laurel and Hardy buffs from around the world at the convention.
"Stan and Ollie" were impeccable friends," says Walter. "They provided good, clean entertainment. Parents never had to worry." Dennis and Dale are also close friends and now share a brand of comedy with a whole new generation of yougsters who instantly recognize them from the reruns on television. "Equally rewarding, is when an 80-year old lady tugs on my sleeve and says, I saw one of your movies on my first date with my late husband," said Walter.
Fun playing the Boys...
by Dale Walter (Ollie)
Since our start of playing the LOOK-ALIKES the merry-go-round has been just WONDERFUL and all four (4) of us, Dennis/Stan-wife Judy, Dale/Ollie and wife Joan Ann are enjoying the "ride " to the utmost! We have been met with the best acceptance of fans from the North to the South and the East through the West. We have found that "the boys" are alive and well in the hearts of fans the world over and all you have to do prove this is attend one Oliver Hardy Festival in Harlem, Georgia!
Just this past October, I had the HONOR to be the one to turn the key to unlock the door for the new Hardy Museum and let people in to see the collection of items honoring Babe! The people of Harlem are VERY proud of their native son and have extended honors to me , as playing Ollie, that are far beyond what you can believe. I don't like to brag upon myself (not much), BUT I and we -Stan & I- have gotten welcomed as parade Marshals for the past eight years along with all the other Southern hospitality that they are noted for including getting presented the key to the city!
Not to mention all the other "gigs" we have done and the honors that go along with each one of them, such as, having a 85 year Young lady tugging on your shirt sleeve to let you know "that my late Charlie on our very first date took me to see YOU" and try as I may , she would NOT think that I was not the REAL Ollie - kind of makes me think that I'm doing something right. Little things like that mean a lot to me. Right now we are all "hiped up" about going to the Sons Convention in Nashville with our friend Steve Brown and family. This is just another example of the everlasting friendships that we have gotten through our playing "the boys".
For information on Sparkie and Look-A-Likes, write:
2445 40th Street N.E.
Canton, Ohio 44705
or call:
1 (330) - 4-LAFTs-2 (452-3872)
EMAIL THE LOOK-A-LIKES
Below are some highlights from some of the Look-a-likes' recent Harlem, Georgia appearances at the Oliver Hardy Musuem (Left Click To Enlarge)
