Andy Kaufman
Pioneering performance artist known for anti-comedy and character work.
Chronology: 1949-01-17 – 1984-05-16
Origins & Early Life
Andrew Geoffrey Kaufman ( KOWF-mən; January 17, 1949 – May 16, 1984) was an American entertainer and performance artist. He has sometimes been called an "anti-comedian". He disdained telling jokes and engaging in comedy as it was traditionally understood, once saying in an interview, "I am not a comic, I have never told a joke. The comedian's promise is that he will go out there and make you laugh with him.
Pivotal Works & Achievements
My only promise is that I will try to entertain you as best I can." After working in small comedy clubs in the early 1970s, Kaufman came to the attention of a wider audience in 1975, when he was invited to perform portions of his act on the first season of Saturday Night Live. His Foreign Man character was the basis of his performance as Latka Gravas on the television show Taxi from 1978 until 1983. During this time, he continued to tour comedy clubs and theaters in a series of unique performance art/comedy shows, sometimes appearing as himself and sometimes as obnoxiously rude lounge singer Tony Clifton. He was also a frequent guest on sketch comedy and late-night talk shows, particularly Late Night with David Letterman. In 1982, Kaufman brought his professional wrestling villain...
Enduring Legacy & Impact
The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.
Source: Wikipedia