Jack E. Leonard (April 24, 1910 – May 10, 1973), born Leonard Lebitsky, was an American comedian and actor who made frequent appearances on television variety and game shows.

Biography

As was the case with many rising comics in the 1950s, his exposure on The Tonight Show hosted by Jack Paar put Leonard over the top. He became a busy performer on television and in nightclubs. He worked steadily in the big rooms of Las Vegas.

Leonard's comedic method was sarcastic and aggressive, creating an "insult humor" genre which anticipated Don Rickles. (Rickles's Friars' Club roast was emceed by Leonard, who introduced Rickles as "a man who's been doing my act for about 12 years now.") A trademark line, after taking off his hat to reveal his bald head: "What did you expect, feathers?" He also referenced his weight problem in his act. Leonard's strong and unapologetic on-stage personality ("Good evening, opponents!") belied a gentle and giving spirit that would occasionally be revealed in his act when he would sing a sentimental song.

He wore a distinctive outfit: a dark suit, purposely two sizes too small, a white narrow-brimmed hat, and horn-rimmed glasses. On one variety show, Leonard's contemporaneous popularity was demonstrated when a lookalike came onstage and did a Leonard-like schtick. Then Leonard himself walked onstage and addressed his doppelgänger: "You've got a great future, son... but not in this business!"

Leonard made occasional recordings and motion pictures in addition to his many television appearances.

In 1973 he collapsed shortly after finishing a performance at the Rainbow Room in New York City, and died the next day at the age of 63 after undergoing emergency cardiac bypass surgery.