| Birth: | Jan. 17, 1949 | | Death: | May 16, 1984 | 
Comedian, Actor. Started out in show business working in various comedy clubs in the Northeast in the early 1970s. He was discovered by agent-manager George Shapiro, who had picked up on his talent right away. He was then offered a spot on the inaugural broadcast of Saturday Night Live. Andy Kaufman brought the house down with a hilarious off-shoot of the "Mighty Mouse" song. His performance brought him much critical acclaim. He was then offered a spot on the new TV sitcom "Taxi," which initally balked, but later agreed for it would provide the springboard for which he and his partner Bob Zmuda could launch many comedic ventures. Among the things he (and Zmuda) did outside of "Taxi" were a television comedy show, appearences as lounge singer Tony Clifton, wrestling women and taking on the Southern Heavyweight Champion Jerry "The King" Lawler. Although many critics described these ventures as outlandish and erratic, they were also noted for their originality and even genius. In the Fall of 1983 Andy Kaufman, a non-smoker/drinker/drug user, was diagnosed with a rare and deadly form of lung cancer known as 'Large Cell Carcinoma'. With the cancer already in advanced stages, he began chemotherapy, consulted with a "Holy Man" and even flew to the Phillipines to get medical aid from a "Miracle Doctor". Unfortunately none of these methods worked, and his cancer was quite virulent and spread rapidly. He died at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in May 1984. In December 1999, a much-anticipated biographical movie "Man on the Moon", starring Jim Carrey was released nationwide. Carrey's performance of Andy Kaufman's life and times introduced a whole new generation to his works. (bio by: Soorus)
Cause of death: Lung Cancer
Search Amazon for Andy Kaufman | | | Burial:
Beth David Cemetery
Elmont
Nassau County
New York, USA |
Maintained by: Find A Grave
Record added: Jan 01, 2001
Find A Grave Memorial# 1789 |
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You and I had a common bond, we both admired and loved Elvis, you were a comic genius, no one ever knew if you were series or not with your routines. I loved you on Taxi, it seems so long ago. I hope you have met Elvis.
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Melody
Added: Nov. 8, 2009 |
I saw you in my dreams, and you made me laugh. Thanks for the memory, and you're welcome to visit my dreams anytime. He told me you were beautiful, and he was right. You are amazing.
-Anonymous
Added: Nov. 7, 2009 |
Simply an adorable, precious, multi- talented, pure genius...((Hugs))
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Susan Harp
Added: Nov. 7, 2009 |
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(4.3 after 353 votes)
