Roach in 1982

Born Harry Eugene Roach in Elmira, NY. Former mule skinner and gold prospector who stumbled into film in 1912, serving as stuntman and bit player in a number of Universal action films and westerns. With backing from Pathé, Roach and former Universal cohort Harold Lloyd formed the Rolin company in 1914 and commenced production on a series of comic shorts starring Lloyd. Such was the success of the "Lonesome Luke" films that Roach was able to take over a large, fully equipped studio in Culver City in 1919. There he continued to turn out successful comedies, distinguished from the Keystone company's product by an emphasis on narrative structure as opposed to sight gags. In 1921 Roach inaugurated the "Our Gang" series, which remained popular over the next two decades. Other notable productions included SAFETY LAST (1923), starring Lloyd; FROM SOUP TO NUTS (1928), starring Laurel and Hardy (whom Roach had first teamed the previous year); and OF MICE AND MEN (1939), directed by Lewis Milestone. Although Roach became increasingly involved with the administration of his organization, he continued to enjoy occasional stints as a director. Actors who developed their careers under Roach's guidance included Mickey Rooney, Charlie Chase and Zasu Pitts; directors included George Stevens, Norman Z. McLeod and Leo McCarey. Adept at staying abreast of developments within the industry, Roach moved into sound films in the early 1930s, switched to feature production (in partnership with his son, Hal Roach, Jr.) later in the decade. While Roach served during World War II, his studio was commandeered as Fort Roach, for the production of war-related films. At war's end, Roach returned to Hollywood and tried to relaunch his featurettes -- including an Our Gang knockoff, IN CURLEY (1946), and WHO KILLED DOC ROBBIN? (1948) -- but they laid a giant egg. Roach decided to retire, and in 1955 sold his studio and its assets to his son Hal Roach, Jr. The younger Roach had turned the studio into a beehive of TV film activity in the early 1950s, but bad business practices led to complete bankruptcy within just a few years. The elder Roach was forced to come out of retirement to save his studio -- and his life's savings. In his career, Roach wrote the screenplays for almost 100 shorts, directed over 100 films and shorts and as head of the studio was producer of almost 750 films and shorts. Only the Internet Movie Database can do full justice to his credits. In later years he enjoyed spinning tales of his colorful career, and receiving the accolades of comedy fans around the world. Roach, given an honorary Academy Award in 1984, outlived his fellow moguls and most of his stars, and was a valuable link to Hollywood's earliest days. To the very end he had movie and TV ideas he was eager to sell.

Short Subjects (Comedy) 1931-32: THE MUSIC BOX - Producer  Short Subjects (Comedy) 1931-32: STOUT HEARTS AND WILLING HANDS - Producer  Nominated for Short Subjects (Comedy) 1935: TIT FOR TAT - Producer  Short Subjects (One-reel) 1936: BORED OF EDUCATION - Producer  Nominated for Best Picture 1939: OF MICE AND MEN - Studio Head  Honorary and Other Awards 1983: "In recognition of his unparalleled record of distinguished contributions to the motion picture art form." Winner presented a Statuette. 5 nominations, 2 Awards, 1 Honorary Award