8 Things You Never Knew About Andy Kaufman & ‘Man on the Moon’
While you may know Andy Kaufman best as Latka Gravas on Taxi, he was also a groundbreaking comedian and performer whose approach to humor was as unconventional as it was unpredictable. Born in 1949, Kaufman’s career defied traditional stand-up comedy norms. Rather than relying on punchlines or traditional setups, Kaufman used performance art, absurdity and even avant-garde antics to challenge his audience and comedy’s very definition. Known for creating eccentric and often perplexing characters, Kaufman blurred the lines between reality and performance, leaving audiences unsure where the act ended and the person began. In honor of the release of the Man on the Moon, based on Kaufman’s life, on December 22, 1999, learn some interesting facts about the star and the movie:
1Inter-Gender Wrestling Champion
Everett Collection
Kaufman was a self-proclaimed “Inter-Gender Wrestling Champion of the World.” He famously challenged women to wrestle him during his comedy performances, claiming it demonstrated female empowerment while often playing the villain by taunting his opponents. He would offer $1,000 to any woman who could pin him and used his friend and fellow performance artist Laurie Anderson in his acts for a while. Eventually, it was revealed that, like many wrestling stunts, everything was staged.
2Tony Clifton’s Antics on Taxi
ABC/Everett Collection
Tony Clifton, one of Kaufman’s alter egos, was a loudmouthed and crude lounge singer who Kaufman insisted was a separate person entirely. Kaufman sometimes sent Clifton to perform in his place, confusing audiences and friends alike. Clifton was even booked to appear on Taxi, where his disruptive behavior led to his removal from the set. Kaufman loved creating these chaotic scenarios to keep people guessing. In Man on the Moon, this dynamic is portrayed, showcasing the odd and confusing parts of his persona.
3Carnegie Hall
PBS/Everett Collection
In April of 1979, Kaufman engaged in one of his most memorable and bizarre performances yet. The show at Carnegie Hall featured odd skits, like an elderly woman pretending to die on stage and taking the entire audience out for milk and cookies. In addition, he invited his “grandmother” to watch the show from the side of the stage and at the end it was revealed to be none other than Robin Williams. The show continued on the Staten Island Ferry the next morning, proving that comedy truly was his life.
4Banned from Saturday Night Live
Everett Collection
In 1982, Kaufman had another odd performance. He appeared on Saturday Night Live and impersonated Elvis Presley, one of his favorite stars, in a sketch. He broke character by removing the wig and apologizing for the sketch, later saying that he disagreed with the way Presley was portrayed in it.
Kaufman’s relationship with Saturday Night Live was tumultuous. In one of the show’s most controversial moments, a viewer poll was held to decide whether Kaufman should be banned from the show. Viewers voted to ban him and the decision was upheld. Man on the Moon portrays this chapter of Kaufman’s career, showcasing his willingness to embrace even rejection as part of his art.
5Mysterious Death Hoax
ABC/Everett Collection (Photo by Shoshana)
Kaufman’s death in 1984 from lung cancer shocked fans, many of whom refused to believe it was real. Known for his elaborate pranks, some speculated that he had faked his death as the ultimate joke. Even decades later, rumors persist, with some fans claiming to have seen him alive. Man on the Moon delves into this mystery, leaving audiences to wonder if Kaufman’s ultimate act of performance art was his own disappearance.
6Jim Carrey’s Immersive Portrayal
Everett Collection
Jim Carrey‘s portrayal of Kaufman in Man on the Moon is regarded as one of his most transformative performances. To fully embody Kaufman, Carrey stayed in character as Kaufman, or Tony Clifton, throughout the entire filming process, both on and off set. This extreme method of acting led to bizarre and chaotic moments during production; many mirrored Kaufman’s own antics. The behind-the-scenes footage was later compiled into the documentary Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond, providing further insight into Carrey’s immersive approach.
7Taxi Cast Reunion in Man on the Moon
Universal Pictures/Everett Collection
Many of the original cast members from Taxi appeared as themselves in Man on the Moon. The notable exceptions were Tony Danza, unavailable due to a Broadway commitment, and Danny DeVito, already cast as George Shapiro, Kaufman’s manager. To avoid confusion, DeVito removed himself from the Taxi cast’s depiction. Randall Carver, who played John Burns in the early seasons of Taxi, is the only member to receive on-screen credit for his “self” role.
8Creator of Andy’s Funhouse and Inspiration for Pee-wee’s Playhouse
ABC/Everett Collection
In 1979, Kaufman was the original creator of a television show called Andy’s Funhouse, a whimsical, offbeat program aimed at children. Although the show was short-lived, it was ahead of its time, featuring strange characters, surreal humor and unconventional sketches, much like Kaufman’s other work. Years later, Paul Reubens, also known as Pee-wee Herman, was inspired by Kaufman’s concept and revamped it into the hit children’s show Pee-wee’s Playhouse in 1986. Before Kaufman’s death, Reubens sought and received Kaufman’s blessing to adapt the show, which became a beloved cultural phenomenon.
Remind 
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