Lenny Schultz was a stand-up comedian whose frenetic physical comedy influenced later comedians like Robin Williams (1951–2014), Gallagher (1946–2022), and Carrot Top.
- Died: March 15, 2025 (Who else died on March 15?)
- Details of death: Died at his home in Delray Beach, Florida of natural causes at the age of 91.
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Lenny Schultz’s legacy
Schultz never intended to find fame as a comedian. In fact, he initially wanted to play professional baseball. He had a chance to sign with a minor league team affiliated with the New York Yankees, but an injury ended his baseball career before it even began. Instead, he studied education, served in the U.S. Army, and became a gym teacher.
While teaching in New York City schools, Schultz couldn’t help letting his wacky personality shine through. His students and fellow teachers alike urged him to give comedy a shot, and after almost 15 years of teaching, he made his stand-up debut in 1969 at an open mic at The Improv.
Schultz’s comedy was prop-heavy and high energy. He asked his audiences to egg him on, and “Go crazy, Lenny!” became a catchphrase shouted by fans. He soon brought his routine to television, appearing on such shows as “The Merv Griffin Show” and “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.” And all the while, he continued to hold his teaching job, arriving at school to shepherd kids through another day of P.E. after working late at a club the night before.
In the mid-1970s, Schultz began taking on acting gigs. He had a recurring role on “The Late Summer Early Fall Bert Convy Show,” appearing as the Bionic Chicken. He had a role in the sitcom “Ball Four,” was a cast member of the 1976 “Laugh-In” revival, and starred in the children’s show “Drawing Power.” Schultz also continued his stand-up antics, becoming particularly popular on the Catskills comedy circuit.
Tributes to Lenny Schultz
Full obituary: The Hollywood Reporter
