- "I ain't got no more outside."
- ―Lenny Janowitz, to Clay Morrow
Leonard 'Lenny The Pimp' Janowitz is a member of the Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club, Redwood Original charter on the FX original series Sons of Anarchy. Played by American actor and Hells Angels founder Sonny Barger, Lenny makes his debut on the episode "NS" in season three and makes two further appearances in season four and five, his last appearance being in the episode "Crucifixed".
Quick Answers
What role did Lenny Janowitz play in the Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club?
Who portrayed the character of Lenny Janowitz in Sons of Anarchy?
What was Lenny Janowitz's background before joining the Sons of Anarchy?
What is the significance of the episode 'Crucifixed' in relation to Lenny Janowitz's character?
How did Sonny Barger's real-life experiences influence his portrayal of Lenny Janowitz?
Biography[]
Background[]
Hailing from Oakland, California, Lenny joined the army when he was a young man and fought in the Vietnam war. He met John 'JT' Teller and Piermont 'Piney' Winston in boot camp, but they lost touch and it wasn’t until they saw him again after a mission in Hanoi that they reconnected. Lenny was a smart, no-nonsense type of guy, extremely intelligent, and when JT and Piney founded the Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club, they knew they’d need a guy like Lenny in the club, Lenny would accept their invitation and become the third member of the club, later becoming the club's first Sgt-at-Arms. A weight lifter since he was ten, he was built like a tank and was in several bodybuilding competitions, he even competed for the Mr. Olympia title, but was disqualified due to an assault charge.
It was no secret that Lenny was a hit with the ladies. He invented the term “croweater,” when he realized that being part of the Sons was like a pussy magnet. He used it to his advantage, eventually making it a business and earning his nickname, “The Pimp”. In 1989 during a raid, Lenny was charged with killing three ATF agents, although he pleaded not guilty and is still fighting the charges. He is currently serving a life sentence at Stockton State Prison. In 2006, Lenny’s three-pack-a-day cigarette habit led to cancer of the larynx and his vocal cords were removed. Despite his age and deteriorating health, he still manages to call shots around the prison yard, and has built an alliance with the Russian Mafia, continuing to be the club's connection.
Season 3[]
"NS"[]
He helps the club get in contact with Viktor Putlova to discuss a deal to have the Russians hand over James 'Jimmy O' O'Phelan to the SAMCRO.
Season 4[]
"To Be, Act 1"[]
In episode 13, as part of a deal between Otto Delaney and AUSA Lincoln Potter, Lenny is given back several privileges at the prison. These include visitation rights and time on the exercise yard. After being given his visitation back, Lenny reached out to SAMCRO to warn the club of Otto's deal. During this sit down at the prison, Lenny tells Jax to "talk to Clay and let him (Lenny) know what he wants him to do". This comment shows Lenny's continuing loyalty to SAMCRO by implying that he will do whatever it takes, in order to protect the Club.
Season 5[]
"Cruxifixed"[]
Lenny is relieved to see Clay still alive after his shooting when he visits him. Clay asks him questions about Otto, wanting to know if he had been involved with a RICO case against the club, only for Lenny tell him that he knows no other information about him other than what he told Jax about Otto talking to federal agents, and cannot not get ahold of him since he is under federal protection and doesn't get visitors. Clay asks if there is anything he can do for Lenny outside the prison, but Lenny states there is nothing left for him anymore on the outside.
Murders Committed[]
- 3 unnamed ATF agents (Before the events of Sons of Anarchy)
Trivia[]
- Lenny (Sonny Barger) was a real Hell's Angel, a founding member and the former president of the Oakland chapter. He resided in Arizona after his release from prison, and was a member of the Angel's Cave Creek chapter from 1998-2016 before he transfered back to Oakland. Barger passed away on June 29, 2022.
- Lenny's mugshot on the mugshot wall inside the SAMCRO clubhouse is an actual mugshot of Sonny Barger when he was arrested at age 19 for a DUI.
- By the end of the series, Lenny is the last/only founding member alive.
Appearances[]
Season 3 appearances | ||||
"SO" | "Oiled" | "Caregiver" | "Home" | "Turning and Turning" |
"The Push" | "Widening Gyre" | "Lochán Mór" | "Turas" | "Fírinne" |
"Bainne" | "June Wedding" | "NS" |
Season 4 appearances | ||||
"Out" | "Booster" | "Dorylus" | "Una Venta" | "Brick" |
"With An X" | "Fruit For The Crows" | "Family Recipe" | "Kiss" | "Hands" |
"Call of Duty" | "Burnt and Purged Away" | "To Be, Act 1" | "To Be, Act 2" |
Season 5 appearances | ||||
"Sovereign" | "Authority Vested" | "Laying Pipe" | "Stolen Huffy" | "Orca Shrugged" |
"Small World" | "Toad's Wild Ride" | "Ablation" | "Andare Pescare" | "Crucifixed" |
"To Thine Own Self" | "Darthy" | "J'ai Obtenu Cette" |