Chronology – The Years Since Lenny’s Death

1970

The first hardback edition of The Essential Lenny Bruce is released.

1971

The stage production of Lenny, produced by Marvin Worth, opens on Broadway.

1974

The Marvin Worth film production of Lenny hit theaters. It stars Dustin Hoffman as Lenny and is directed by Bob Fosse.

1981

Bob Dylan releases his song “Lenny Bruce” on the album Shot of Love.

1994

Joan Rivers plays Lenny’s mother in the play Sally Marr…And Her Escorts on Broadway.

1999

New production of Lenny in London’s West End stars Eddie Izzard.

2003

Governor George Pataki pardons Lenny Bruce for 1964 obscenity charge. It is the first posthumous pardon in New York State history. Pataki calls the decision “a declaration of New York’s commitment to upholding the First Amendment.”