LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Andy Kaufman
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Andy Kaufman was one of the most original comedians of the 1970s and 1980s. A pioneer of the "confrontainment" style of comedy, his stand-up routines and professional wrestling appearances often transformed audiences into riotous, bloodthirsty mobs. But Andy ... created sweet, endearing characters, such as the lovable immigrant Latka Gravas on TAXI, who warmed the hearts of millions. This film traces the hilarious, strange, and all too short career of dichotomous Andy Kaufman, from childhood to his untimely death at 35.
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The idea of Andy Kaufman is more entertaining that Andy Kaufman. The same goes for the creation of the character: Tony Clifton. This cable / stage presentation was considered both Kaufman's final contribution to his work as well as the final nail in his coffin.A few good laughs doesn't make up for minutes and minutes of dead silence. Yes, Elvis is good, his foreign character is even better, but everything else is nothing more than leftovers. Bob Zmuda may be a brilliant comedian / producer, but he has marketed himself as Andy Kaufman's shadow. 25 years since Kaufman's death, Zmuda still is known for his friendship with Kaufman and nothing else.
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David Letterman: On April 5th, 1982, in Memphis, Tennessee, Andy Kaufman, the actor-comedian, and Intergender Wrestling champion, had his first wrestling match with a member of his own sex. The opponent was a very serious wrestling favorite named Jerry Lawler. Here, now, are the results of that match.
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After appearing on the inaugural broadcast of Saturday Night Live in 1975, Andy Kaufman became nationally famous as a comedian who provoked nervous laughter, if any at all. He impersonated Elvis Presley, read aloud from The Great Gatsby until the audience left in disgust, or touted himself as an "Intergender Wrestling Champion," fighting mostly women in what were seemingly real matches. He ... co-starred in the hit TV series Taxi. Because it was hard to tell when Kaufman was kidding, even the news of his unexpected death was met with some skepticism.
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As Tony Clifton, the crass, abusive, small-time Las Vegas lounge singer, Andy Kaufman found the next level for his unique comic styling. Kaufman claimed to have met the conceited and insensitive nightclub singer in the early 1970's, and had initially impersonated him as part of his own act but began hiring Clifton when he could afford to do so. When Clifton appeared in concert (sometimes opening for Kaufman, other times opening for Rodney Dangerfield, his incompetence and foul behavior angered the crowd to the point where they would pelt him with garbage and threaten physical violence. Despite (or more accurately: "to spite") the violence directed his way, Clifton would continue his act dressed in riot gear or protected by a nylon net. This would enrage the crowd even more and many wanted to harm or kill Clifton!
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Andy Kaufman was born in 1949 in New York City, and lived in Great Neck, Long Island for much of his childhood. Andy had dreamed of being a performer since he was a child, and performed at birthday parties and other small venues for many years starting when he was eight. While attending college, Andy began performing stand-up comedy locally and was eventually spotted by "Saturday Night Live"...
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Andy Kaufman