
Born in Bolton, Lancashire, Aubrey was the son of US born gymnast Robert Aubrey. Later a member of the Fred Karno variety troupe, he first traveled to New York in 1900, then settled permanently after emigrating from London, on August 29, 1908. An early understudy of Charlie Chaplin, he later achieved leading status during the silents era (Oliver Hardy once providing support). Following his career decline as a starring performer, he was initially given work by Laurel & Hardy, before embarking on a career as a bit-part player in over 300 features.

Waterloo Bridge
1940 · as Cockney in Air-Raid Shelter (uncredited)

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
1941 · as Hanger-On (uncredited)

The King's Thief
1955 · as Little Man (uncredited)

Mesquite Buckaroo
1939 · as Mort (Ranch Hand) (as James Whitehead)

The Green Years
1946 · as Speller

Sweepstakes
1931 · as Cantina Drunk

The Gay Divorcee
1934 · as (uncredited)

Border Roundup
1942 · as Sourdough

Pioneer Days
1940 · as Stagecoach Guard

Swamp Woman
1941 · as Tod Appleby

The Meeting
1917

Dangerous When Wet
1953 · as Bartender (uncredited)

Thunder Town
1946 · as Gunsmith Collins

The Lodger
1944

The Gilded Lily
1935 · as Purser (uncredited)

The Verdict
1946 · as Newsboy

Hot Ice
1955 · as Gorilla Keeper

The Invisible Man Returns
1940 · as Plainclothesman (uncredited)