Robert "Bob" Schimmel was born in 1950 in the Bronx, New York, and emerged as a prominent figure in the American stand-up comedy scene. Known for his X-rated and controversial material, Schimmel's comedic style was heavily centered around personal and often explicit themes, frequently touching on topics like sex, family dynamics, and life's darker moments. Despite—or perhaps because of—his edgy approach, Schimmel carved out a successful career and garnered a devoted following. Schimmel's break into the comedy world came in 1986, thanks to Rodney Dangerfield, who invited him to perform on his HBO Young Comedians Special. This opportunity paved the way for his critically acclaimed Showtime specials "Hard Core in the Big Apple" and "Robert Schimmel: Guilty as Charged." His television credits further expanded his fame, including roles as a staff writer on "In Living Color," alongside frequent appearances on "The Howard Stern Show," and "Late Night with Conan O'Brien." Schimmel's career was not without personal and health challenges. Married to his first wife, Vicki, in 1977, the couple had two children before the loss of their son Derek to cancer at age 11. After suffering a heart attack in 1998, Schimmel was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in June 2000. His resilient fight against cancer, during which he formed a significant relationship with his second wife Melissa, earned him the Celebration of Life Award from The Lymphoma Research Foundation of America. Despite his health issues, Schimmel's comedic work did not falter. His debut HBO comedy hour, "Unprotected," premiered successfully in November of 1999. He gained recognition at the 13th Annual American Comedy Awards, being named the Stand-Up of the Year. He also released multiple comedy albums, such as "Robert Schimmel Comes Clean," "If You Buy This CD, I Can Get This Car," "Unprotected," and "Reserection," with his distinctive style earning him number 76 on Comedy Central's list of the 100 greatest standups of all time. Schimmel's comedy was deeply personal, reflecting his belief that "the best comedy comes from the truth." He was known for incorporating all aspects of his personal life into his act, including topics like his son's death and his own battles with illness. Always pushing boundaries, Schimmel often stirred controversy, such as a particularly explicit joke that reportedly led to his not being invited back to "Late Night with Conan O'Brien." A devoted fan of Lenny Bruce, Schimmel considered him his all-time comedy hero. This influence was evident in his willingness to tackle taboo subjects and his determination to find humor in the truths of his life, no matter how challenging they might be. Despite the controversies and life's hardships, Robert Schimmel continued to connect with audiences through his fearless honesty and undeniable comedic talent, maintaining his status as a beloved figure in the comedy world.