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• Lenny Bruce is one of history's most influential stand-up comedians.

• Fast Facts

  1. Birth name: Leonard Alfred Schneider
  2. Birth date: October 13, 1925
  3. Died: August 3, 1966
  4. Spouse: Honey Harlow
  5. Children: Kitty Bruce
  6. Numerous prominent comics, including George Carlin and Richard Pryor have cited Bruce as an influence
  7. In 2003, he received a posthumous pardon for his obscenity conviction

• Career

  Lenny Bruce reached prominence in the 1950s and 60s, during which time he was arrested multiple times for obscenity. He was banned in several cities and sparked a public debate about free speech. Bruce also authored two books, Stamp Help Out! and How to Talk Dirty and Influence People.

• Quotes

  • "Let me tell you the truth. The truth is, what is. And what should be is a fantasy, a terrible terrible lie that someone gave to the people long ago."

  • "If something about the human body disgusts you, the fault lies with the manufacturer."

  • "I don't want every break in the world. I just want justice."

  • "Satire is tragedy plus time. You give it enough time, the public, the reviewers will allow you to satirize it. Which is rather ridiculous, when you think about it."

• Related Mahalo Pages

  George Carlin | Richard Pryor | Bill Hicks | Woody Allen | FBI | Charles Joffe

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