Andy Kaufman never considered himself a comedian. If given the choice, he would rather have been introduced to audiences as a song-and- dance man. Andy felt being introduced as a comedian put pressure on the audience to laugh. Besides, sometimes they didn't laugh and Andy wanted it that way. Andy worked to create real reactions. He wanted people to laugh from the gut, get sad from the gut - or get angry from the gut.

No one could put a label on Andy because he was more than a song-and-dance man -- some say he was a performance artist. Perhaps they're right, Andy didn't tell jokes; he explored ideas. At any given moment he could be his invisible twin brother Dhrupick, a wrestler, a comic, Elvis Presley, an immigrant, a folk singer, Tony Clifton, an evangelist, Nathan Richards, a fakir, Tony Piccinnini, a magician, Nathan McCoy, a robot butler, a provocateur or a spy.

Dismissed by many as eccentric, Andy's refusal to break character - to let the audience in on the joke - sometimes pushed his art over the edge. His performances were more avante-garde theater than traditional stand-up comedy. Offstage, he continued to push the limits of reality, and casual observers found it difficult to understand the real Andy Kaufman.

Yes, despite what you've heard, Andy Kaufman is gone. Andy left us on May 16, 1984 -- decades later his legacy continues.

Join us for a look into the life and times of Andy "Troubadour" Kaufman.

ANNUAL ANDY KAUFMAN AWARD

The Andy Kaufman Memorial Trust hosts The Andy Kaufman Award Show every year.

More information can be found on the official website, www.theandykaufmanaward.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE KAUFMANESQUE?

Just what does it mean when you hear the word "Kaufmanesque" and how has Andy Kaufman changed the cultural landscape of the past 25 years? Renowned author and Kaufman biographer, Bill Zehme reflects on Andy's influence and how his extreme public performance art foreshadowed many of today's cultural icons. Read Kaufmanesque, Circa 2009 - Notes on a Cultural Outbreak by Bill Zehme.

ANDY KAUFMAN I HATE YOUR GUTS!

Dear Andy Kaufman, I Hate Your Guts! (Introduction by Lynne Margulies and Foreword by Bob Zmuda) Publish Date: December 1, 2009 $19.95

Legendary performer Andy Kaufman provoked national outrage in 1979 by taunting the women of America to wrestle him live on television. Taking on the aggressive and absurd personality adopted by professional wrestlers, he offered a $1,000 reward to any woman who could pin him, with the additional promise that if beaten, he would shave his head bald; later adding that he would even marry the winning contestant.

Hundreds of fired-up females (and a few males) responded to the call, resulting in a torrent of impassioned challenges, hate mail and love letters from would-be wrestling contenders, and Andy kept them all. These fascinating and sometimes bizarre hand- written letters, photographs and illustrations from his challengers are assembled here into an astonishing Rorschach of the late '70s liberated female psyche.

This book commemorates the 25th anniversary of Andy Kaufman's death. Lynne Margulies, Andy's loyal girlfriend, provides an introduction. Bob Zmuda, Andy's long- time friend, cohort, and writer, provides the foreword.

Download amazing excerpts here.

Use this link to purchase your copy at a discount price.

5TH ANNUAL ANDY KAUFMAN AWARD - NOVEMBER 3, 2009

The Andy Kaufman Memorial Trust, in partnership with famed New York comedy club, Caroline's, held "The Fifth Annual Andy Kaufman Award Show" on November 3, 2009 at Caroline's on Broadway. This year's show was especially poignant as 2009 is the 25th anniversary of Andy's passing. The contestants were very talented and Tony Clifton's abbreviated performance as host for the evening was fascinating.

Read a first-hand account of the night's festivities here.

LEARN THE TRUE STORY OF ANDY KAUFMAN

Throughout The Andy Kaufman Home Page you'll find respectful, truthful information about Andy's short and extraordinary life. Once you've explored this site (use the navigation buttons on the lefthand side of this page to look further), you can learn even more about Andy by checking out the reference material listed below:

SEE RARE ITEMS HERE

Click here to view behind-the-scenes material, and never before seen information about Andy.

LOST IN THE FUNHOUSE

Click here to learn more about the paperback edition of Lost in the Funhouse which includes new and revised material, an enhanced bibliography and a never before seen look at Andy's 1969 letter to Elvis Presley!!

For an exclusive look at part of the actual letter Andy sent to Elvis, CLICK HERE!!

Book cover photo courtesy of Wayne Williams

Click on the "Lost in the Funhouse" book cover (above) to learn more about the authorized biography. Use this quick and easy link to place your order today!

CREDITS AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

The Andy Kaufman Home Page established October 3, 1995.

A sincere, "Dank you veddy much" to all the folks at JVLNET for graciously hosting The Andy Kaufman Home Page.

We hope you'll find the time to read every part of our Internet tribute to Andy. In the event you cannot find the answer to your question, or just have a comment to pass along, please do not hesitate to contact us. Send your comments, questions, or suggestions to The Andy Kaufman Home Page via: andykaufman@jvlnet.com