"I'll be comfortable on the couch. Famous last words." - Lenny Bruce

A well-known comedian, Lenny Bruce is best known for his biting social satire and provocative use of language

"I'll be comfortable on the couch. Famous last words." - Lenny Bruce

A well-known comedian, Lenny Bruce is best known for his biting social satire and provocative use of language. Bruce's sharp wit often landed him in legal hot water, but those who knew him could find limitless entertainment in his off-the-cuff remarks and clever quips. His famous comment, "I'll be comfortable on the couch. Famous last words," is often cited as an example of his dark and often pessimistic humor.

Lenny Bruce was born Leonard Alfred Schneider on October 13, 1925 in Mineola, New York. As a young man, Bruce initially pursued a career in music, but was drawn to the world of stand-up comedy after seeing Milton Berle perform on television. In 1953, Bruce moved to Los Angeles and began performing at a small comedy club. His edgy take on the stand-up comedy scene quickly gained attention and earned him a steady gig at the club.

Bruce's humor was often controversial due to the explicit language he used and the topics he addressed. He took aim at many parts of American society such as consumerism, religion, and the entertainment industry. Bruce's unique style proved to be both a blessing and a curse, garnering devoted fans while also getting him in trouble with the law.

In 1961, Lenny Bruce was arrested and charged with obscenity after performing a routine that included the use of explicit language. Bruce's legal battle lasted for years and unfortunately for the comedian, he never had the chance to clear his name. On August 3, 1966, Bruce was found dead in his apartment at the age of 40.

Despite his early death and the controversies surrounding him while he was alive, Lenny Bruce's impact on comedy and American culture is undeniable. He helped pave the way for future stand-up comedians and is credited with bringing a new level of raw honesty to the genre. "I'll be comfortable on the couch. Famous last words," is just one of many famous lines attributed to him and has lived on decades after his passing.