Andy Kaufman

Subject: RE: Andy Kaufman
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 05 Dec 00 - 11:50 AM

Wow, I guess I'm the dissenting voice (so far) here. I'd have to put Andy Kaufman near the very top of the list of people who've made me laugh hysterically over the years. Like a lot of total risk-takers, he seemed to be extremely troubled, and his bizarre personal behaviour made it tough on people around him, but for a few short years he was the most inventive comic I've ever seen.

I remember seeing one of his first appearances on Saturday Night Live, where he did his "Shy foreign man" character (similar to Latka, on Taxi). This timid stumbling little person morphs into the most astonishing Elvis impersonation you could ever imagine.

He did a bit on David Letterman's show once that ended in a fist fight and threatened lawsuits with one of the other guests, that for years I thought HAD to have been totally legit (til I read the book) and found that it was scripted ahead of time.

I have to agree that Toronto's Jim Carrey, gave a wonderful performance in the film, and that I can barely stand to watch the rest of the drek that he saddles himself with....but that's the point, I guess. Carrey is HUGELY popular...loved by some, hated by others. Kaufman was to me, a great comedian, to others, a complete waste of time.

Brendy, oddly enough, while on the road the last week, I listened to the "talking book" biography of Andy (NOT the one the film was based on), and it was completely fascinating. I've briefly forgotten the title (another senior moment) but if you'd like, I'll get it for you. Perhaps the tape or the book is available in one of your libraries..that's where I got my copy. Bet you'd find it interesting.

Rick

Subject: RE: Andy Kaufman
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 05 Dec 00 - 11:05 AM

Comedy is as important to me as music. I have to say, I never "got" what was funny about Kauffman.

Subject: RE: Andy Kaufman
From: Whistle Stop
Date: 05 Dec 00 - 10:52 AM

I think this guy belongs in the "we like him because he's dead" thread. Andy Kaufman didn't have a lot to say, but he still managed to say it in a uniquely annoying manner. It's always sad when someone dies before his time, but I can't say I miss him.

Subject: RE: Andy Kaufman
From: MMario
Date: 05 Dec 00 - 08:50 AM

I was fascinated by the movie - which was rather odd, as I never cared for Andy Kaufman except for his role in Taxi (I detested him on SNL) and I don't care for Jim Carey. The movie was well done though...

Subject: Andy Kaufman
From: Brendy
Date: 05 Dec 00 - 08:37 AM

I saw the film 'Man on the Moon', recently, starring Jim Carrey, which documented the life and times of Andy Kaufman.
Outside of his appearances in 'Taxi', I knew nothing at all about this rather special....how would you describe him....performance artist.

Seems there was a lot more to this guy than met the eye. As his fame never really spread to this side of the pond (not that I'm aware, anyway), I was wondering if anyone ever saw a gig of his, or just what did you think of him?

Carrey did, IMO, an excellent job in portraying this complex man - I wish he would stick to rôles like this, instead of wasting himself on rubbish such as 'Dum and Dummer' (or whatever that film was called).

B.