Jack E. Leonard

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

Biography Leonard was born Leonard Lebitsky on April 24, 1910, in Chicago ("You know, the city where kids play robbers and robbers"), the son of a Jewish tailor. He claimed that one of his childhood friends was Baby Face Nelson. As a young man, he worked as a lifeguard ("I swam against Johnny Weissmuller ... and he was so fast I haven't seen him since"), and first worked professionally as a dancer, competing in Charleston contests. In the 1930s, he joined a vaudeville troupe, then began touring with the big bands, playing nightclubs all over the country. During World War II he toured bases with the United Service Organizations.

In March 1973, he collapsed shortly after finishing a performance at the Rainbow Room in New York City and underwent emergency cardiac bypass surgery, but died several weeks later at age 63.

Discography Rock and Roll for Kids Over Sixteen (1957) Vik LX-1080 mono How to Lose Weight with Fat Jack (1964) Scream on Someone You Love Today (1967)

Partial filmography Three Sailors and a Girl (1953) – Porky The Disorderly Orderly (1964) – Fat Jack The World of Abbott and Costello (1965) – Narrator (compilation of clips from Abbott and Costello movies) The Dictator's Guns (1965) – Keefer The Fat Spy (1966) – Irving / Herman Gonjular (Twins) A Man Called Adam (1966) – Himself, Party Guest (uncredited) Target: Harry (1969) – Valdez Journey Back to Oz (1972) – The Signpost (voice) (final film role)