12 Facts About Petey Greene

Petey Greene attended Stevens Elementary School and Cardozo Senior High School in Washington.

Petey Greene dropped out of high school in the ninth grade and enlisted in the United States Army at age 16 in 1947.

Petey Greene served in the Korean War as a medic and was honorably discharged from service in 1953.

In January 1960, Petey Greene was convicted of armed robbery in Washington and sentenced to ten years imprisonment at Lorton Reformatory in Fairfax County, Virginia.

Petey Greene famously quipped to the Washington Post that he "stole a spoon" during the evening gala.

In 1981, Petey Greene had radio personality Howard Stern on his show for what was one of Stern's first television appearances.

Stern later called Petey Greene a "broadcasting genius" in his 1993 book Private Parts.

Petey Greene rallied against poverty and racism on his shows and on the streets, participating in demonstrations during the height of his popularity.

Petey Greene died on January 10,1984, thirteen days before his 53rd birthday.

Petey Greene was survived by his wife, Judy C Greene, and their four children: Ralph Waldo III, Petra, Renee, and Melanie.

Petey Greene's autobiography, Laugh If You Like, Ain't a Damn Thing Funny, was published in 2003.

Petey Greene was portrayed by Don Cheadle in the 2007 film Talk to Me, which was inspired by his life and career.