Born Name:  Leonard Lebitsky

Born Date:  April 24, 1910

Born Place:  Chicago, Illinois

Died Date:  May 10, 1973

Died Place:  New York City, New York

Occupations:  Comedian, actor

Brief Biography:  Jack E. Leonard was an influential American comedian, best remembered as the "Original King of Insult". Known for his aggressive, fast-paced sarcasm, his signature fedora, horn-rimmed glasses, and a suit two sizes too small, his groundbreaking heckler-driven style heavily inspired comedy legends like Don Rickles.

Early Life and Vaudeville:
Born in Chicago, Illinois, he was the son of a Jewish tailor. Getting his professional start in the twilight days of vaudeville, he began as a Charleston dancer before transitioning into nightclubs and Catskills resorts. Despite his portly frame, he was a remarkably elegant dancer and could use his quick wit to instantly disarm hecklers.

Rise to Fame and Insult Comedy:
Opening his act by taking off his hat and shouting, "Good evening, opponents!", Leonard pioneered a brand of sarcastic "insult humor" that didn't rely on standard stories or setup-and-punchline jokes. Instead, he targeted the audience's appearance and heckled other celebrities, paving the way for the genre. He became a fixture in Las Vegas and a permanent fixture on the national television circuit, frequently appearing on The Ed Sullivan Show, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, What's My Line?, and Match Game.

Film and Recording Career:
Alongside his stand-up success, Leonard appeared in several movies and television specials. His acting and voice credits include:
The Disorderly Orderly (1964)
The Fat Spy (1966)
Journey Back to Oz (1974 - posthumously released)
He also released popular comedy albums, including How to Lose Weight with Fat Jack E. Leonard (1964) and Scream on Someone You Love Today (1967).