Births on January 17

Andy Kaufman, American actor and comedian (d. 1984)

Andrew Geoffrey Kaufman (pronounced KOWF-mən; January 17, 1949 – May 16, 1984) was a groundbreaking American entertainer, widely recognized for his multifaceted talents as an actor, singer, professional wrestler, and, most notably, a performance artist. Far from a conventional comedian, Kaufman actively redefined the boundaries of entertainment, often pushing the limits of audience comfort and expectation.

Challenging Conventions: The Anti-Comedian Persona

While frequently labeled a "comedian" by the public and media, Andy Kaufman himself preferred the self-description of a "song and dance man," a title that encapsulates his diverse range of acts and his profound interest in entertainment beyond mere joke-telling. He fundamentally disdained the traditional structure of comedy, where the performer's explicit promise is to induce laughter through punchlines. Kaufman famously articulated this distinction in an interview, stating, "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. My only promise is that I will try to entertain you as best I can." This philosophical stance earned him the moniker of an "anti-comedian," highlighting his deliberate subversion of comedic norms and his commitment to eliciting a broader spectrum of reactions, from confusion to awe, rather than just laughter.

Early Career and National Breakthrough

Kaufman honed his unique performance style in small comedy clubs throughout the early 1970s. His acts were often unconventional, blending surrealism with earnest theatricality. A prime example was his famous lip-sync performance to the theme song of the cartoon Mighty Mouse, an act delivered with such intense seriousness that it captivated audiences, forcing them to question what they were witnessing. His innovative approach caught the attention of television producers, leading to his pivotal appearance on the inaugural season of NBC's Saturday Night Live in 1975. This national platform introduced a wider audience to his peculiar charm, particularly through his "Foreign Man" character, who would later become a cornerstone of his career.

Iconic Characters and Performance Art

Latka Gravas: The Beloved Foreign Man

The "Foreign Man" character, a nervous, English-mangling immigrant who would perform celebrity impressions before breaking into song, served as the direct inspiration for Latka Gravas on the hit ABC television sitcom Taxi. From 1978 until 1983, Kaufman brought Latka to life, a character known for his innocent demeanor and multiple personality disorder, which allowed Kaufman to subtly weave in other bizarre personas. Latka quickly became a fan favorite, creating a fascinating paradox where Kaufman, the master of subversion, was widely adored for a mainstream, endearing role.

Tony Clifton: The Obnoxious Alter Ego

Simultaneously, Kaufman continued to push boundaries with live performances in comedy clubs and theaters across the country. These were not stand-up shows in the traditional sense, but rather unique performance art pieces. A central figure in these tours was Tony Clifton, an obnoxiously rude, untalented, and aggressively abrasive lounge singer. Kaufman insisted that Clifton was a real person, even signing separate contracts for Clifton's appearances and often refusing to break character, even in highly confrontational situations. This commitment to the bit blurred the lines between performer and character, actor and reality, creating immense confusion and controversy, yet solidifying Kaufman's reputation as an artistic provocateur.

Andy Kaufman's Wrestling Persona: Blurring Reality and Illusion

One of Kaufman's most audacious and enduring performance art pieces involved his foray into professional wrestling. A lifelong fan, he embraced the sport's theatricality, particularly the concept of kayfabe (the portrayal of staged events as genuine). He adopted a villainous persona, proclaiming himself the "Intergender Wrestling Champion of the World," offering prize money to any woman who could pin him. This act, deeply rooted in the traditions of professional wrestling but presented with Kaufman's unique, ironic sincerity, stirred significant outrage and media attention.

The apex of this act was his infamous "feud" with legendary professional wrestler Jerry "The King" Lawler, primarily within the Continental Wrestling Association based in Memphis, Tennessee. Their highly publicized encounters included televised matches and a particularly explosive appearance on Late Night with David Letterman in 1982. During this infamous segment, Kaufman, still in character, launched into a tirade against Lawler, culminating in Lawler slapping Kaufman out of his chair and throwing coffee on him. The apparent authenticity of the altercation shocked audiences and fueled intense public debate.

It was not until over a decade later, on Late Night with Conan O'Brien in 1995, that Kaufman's longtime collaborator Bob Zmuda and Jerry Lawler publicly confirmed that the entire feud, including the Letterman incident, had been a meticulously planned ruse, a testament to Kaufman's unparalleled commitment to his art and his ability to manipulate public perception.

The Enigmatic End and Lasting Legacy

Andy Kaufman's extraordinary career was tragically cut short when he died of lung cancer on May 16, 1984, at the remarkably young age of 35. Given his lifelong dedication to pranks, elaborate ruses, and blurring the lines between reality and performance, persistent rumors have circulated for decades that Kaufman merely faked his own death as the ultimate grand hoax. While unverified, these rumors underscore the profound impact of his unconventional artistry and his ability to make audiences question everything.

Today, Andy Kaufman continues to be revered as a visionary. His legacy is celebrated for the sheer variety and depth of his characters, his uniquely counterintuitive approach to comedy that eschewed conventional jokes for experiential performance, and his unwavering willingness to provoke negative, confused, and sometimes even hostile reactions from audiences. He remains a cult figure whose influence is evident in avant-garde comedy, performance art, and any artist who dares to challenge the audience's role and perception of reality.

Frequently Asked Questions About Andy Kaufman

Was Andy Kaufman a comedian?

While he performed in comedy clubs and on comedic television shows, Andy Kaufman preferred to be called a "song and dance man." He rejected the traditional definition of a comedian, as he disdained telling jokes and aimed to entertain rather than simply make people laugh, often earning him the label "anti-comedian."

What was Andy Kaufman's most famous character?

Andy Kaufman is arguably most famous for his character Latka Gravas on the TV show Taxi, which was an adaptation of his "Foreign Man" character from Saturday Night Live. His obnoxious lounge singer alter ego, Tony Clifton, is also widely recognized for its controversial nature.

Did Andy Kaufman really wrestle?

Yes, Andy Kaufman engaged in professional wrestling as a performance art piece, most notably in a highly publicized feud with Jerry "The King" Lawler in the Continental Wrestling Association. While the matches and feuds were part of a staged performance, Kaufman committed fully to the persona, blurring the lines between reality and illusion.

Did Andy Kaufman fake his death?

Andy Kaufman died of lung cancer on May 16, 1984, at the age of 35. Despite this, persistent rumors have circulated for years that he faked his own death as a grand hoax, largely due to his career-long history of elaborate pranks and blurring the lines of reality in his performances. There is no verified evidence to support these claims, and his death certificate is publicly available.