[2][3] Born in New Haven, Connecticut, Hardy attended Yale but left there to become an actor on stage.

His best-known role to modern audiences is perhaps Charles Weston, the theatrical agent, in the 1933 film classic King Kong.

Hardy appeared opposite Marie Cahill in the 1910 play Judy Forgot and the 1915 film adaptation.

[5] He raised funds for Harold Lloyd's venture with others, the Beverly Hills Little Theatre for Professionals.

[6] Hardy became ill while he was working in the film Shoot the Chutes, starring Eddie Cantor.