text: Arthur Stanley Jefferson ( 16 June 1890 -- 23 February 1965 ) , better known as Stan Laurel , was an English comic actor , writer and film director , famous as the first half of the comedy double-act Laurel and Hardy .
simplified: Stan Laurel ( June 16 , 1890 â `` February 23 , 1965 ) , was an British actor comedian , writer and director .