Lenny Bruce
Leonard Alfred Schneider, better known as Lenny Bruce, was born on 13 October 1925.
The American comic was ahead of his time. Lenny Bruce's stand-up comedy was one of the first acts to deal with sex, religion, and politics. His dark, satirical routines built up a cult following.
Lenny Bruce said of his own work: "All my humour is based upon destruction and despair. If the whole world were tranquil, without disease and violence, I'd be standing on the breadline right in back of J. Edgar Hoover."
Lenny Bruce was imprisoned by the authorities in 1961 for 'obscenity', and was banned from entering Britain in 1963.
Ingmar Bergman said of Lenny Bruce: "His only offence was that he dared tell people the truth."
On 3 August 1966, Lenny Bruce was found dead in Hollywood after an accidental drugs overdose.
The biopic Lenny, starring Dustin Hoffman as Lenny Bruce, was nominated for six Academy Awards.
This BBC profile of Lenny Bruce has photos and links.