In-Your-Face Facts About Andy Kaufman, The Anti-Comedian
There are a few trademark gags that we will always remember Andy Kaufman for: Elvis impersonations, Latka on Taxi, and wrestling women. But there was so much more to this comedic genius that many have forgotten. His performances were so unusual, you could say that Kaufman was the inspiration for the expression "think outside the box". For Kaufman, there was no box strong enough to hold him—he was simply a man on the moon. Let’s check out the facts and see the whole wacky story one step at a time.
1. He Started Young
Andy Kaufman was born in New York City on January 17, 1949. He was the oldest of three kids and they all grew up in the strangely named village of Great Neck on Long Island. At age nine, Kaufman was already keeping small audiences amused.
His acts were mostly at children’s birthday parties where he spun records and showed cartoons. But there was something more: he was already impersonating Elvis.
Just wait and see how "doing Elvis" will become Kaufman’s signature gag.
2. He Had A Guest
By 1969, Kaufman was studying television production, and at the same time hosting Uncle Andy's Fun House, which was a campus TV program. One of his guests on the show was a struggling actor named Gail Slobodkin. Unfortunately, Kaufman decided to be totally rude to her and tell her she didn’t have a chance to make it in show business.
Later, a book by Kaufman’s friend Bob Zmuda, revealed the whole twisted tale. Unable to take the harsh criticism, Slobodkin actually ended her life shortly after her appearance on Andy’s Fun House. There's only one problem with this story: Gail Slobodkin didn’t exist.
Kaufman was already showing his love of pranks—here’s another one.
3. He Had An Idea
Smack in the middle of his studies, Kaufman had a wacky idea. He was going to meet his hero Elvis Presley. Unfortunately, all he knew was that Presley was performing at a hotel in Las Vegas. When Kaufman arrived in Vegas—by hitchhiking—he somehow got backstage where Elvis was performing and managed to hide out in a cabinet. Kaufman had also prepared a costume for his surprise meeting with the King: a hot pink suit. Now all he had to do was wait.
4. He Made The Leap
When the unsuspecting Elvis came backstage, Kaufman saw his opportunity. He leaped out of the cabinet and surprised the singing legend. Kaufman then handed Presley a copy of a play that he’d written about the King of Rock and Roll.
And what did Presley have to say about Kaufman? He simply said: "You’ve got a weird mind, kid". The thing is, maybe Presley was onto something.
