Andy Kaufman's Biography

Andy Kaufman was an American comedian, actor, and performance artist best known for his highly original and enigmatic approach to comedy. Born on January 17, 1949, in New York City, Kaufman redefined the boundaries of stand-up by blurring the lines between reality and performance. Rising to fame in the late 1970s, Kaufman gained widespread recognition for his role as Latka Gravas on the hit television show 'Taxi', where his eccentric character became iconic. Kaufman was notorious for elaborate pranks and hoaxes, such as wrestling women on stage and adopting the abrasive persona of lounge singer Tony Clifton. His appearances on shows like 'Saturday Night Live' and 'Late Night with David Letterman' often left audiences questioning what was real and what was part of the act. Though he never won major awards during his lifetime, Kaufman's influence on alternative comedy is immense, inspiring generations of comedians and performers. Kaufman's career was tragically cut short when he died of lung cancer at the age of 34 in 1984, yet rumors persist that his death was his final, greatest prank. Today, he is remembered as a pioneer of anti-humor and performance art, whose daring and unconventional style challenged the norms of comedy and entertainment.