Lenny Bruce

About

Legendary stand up comedian and social critic who became a counterculture icon after he was repeatedly arrested for obscenity. He was portrayed by Dustin Hoffman in the 1974 Bob Fosse film Lenny.

Before Fame

He briefly adopted the stage name, Lenny Marsalle, while working at his mother's stage shows. He was discharged from the US Navy after serving time in World War II because he claimed to the ship's medical officer that he was experiencing homosexual urges after performing a comedic routine in drag for his shipmates.

Trivia

He became the first person in New York State history to be posthumously pardoned when then-Governor George Pataki pardoned him for his conviction in a 1964 obscenity trial in 2003.

Family Life

He had a daughter, Kitty, with his wife Honey Harlow, who was a stripper.

Associated With

Dick Gregory was his inspiration, and was thrilled by his outspoken attitude.