Fall in Love Friday
Andy Kaufman
It’s hard to articulate how much this guy means to me, but I shall try. I think of this guy as my comedy godfather. Sure, I never met him, but I owe him a lot. I don’t think I would be doing stand-up if it weren’t for him. He is my greatest influence. Whenever anyone asks who I’m like, or who I like, I always say Andy Kaufman and they immediately know that I must be different. And how crazy is it for a man who started decades ago to still be seen as avant-garde? Some artists require a “oh their material was edgy for that time” but Andy on the other hand… his stuff is STILL crazy! And I love that! Check out what he did on Letterman. I don’t even think an appearance like this would even happen today.
And of course there’s his classic, legendary appearance on SNL:
And the Elvis Presley:
I took stand up comedy as a class in college, just for kicks. I didn’t think much would come of it. I didn’t even like stand-up comedy at that time. All I saw was what was on comedy central, and I wasn’t into it. But it was during that class when a friend talked about a guy who read The Great Gatsby to an audience. I was hooked right then and there. Andy made me love stand-up comedy and see the possibilities of the art form. He still inspires me to this day. I wish he was still here, and I wish I could’ve seen him live. But I’m so happy that there are clips like this:
I was selected as a semi-finalist for the Andy Kaufman award, an award given by Andy’s family and friends to an original and creative stand-up performer who embodies the spirit of Andy. I am deeply honored. When I first heard of this award it became a dream of mine. I still can’t get over talking on the phone with the director of the Andy Kaufman award who told me, “I gave Andy his first paid gig.” The fact that this award is given by the family and friends of Andy, just makes it that much more meaningful.
Comedians I adore like Brent Weinbach, Reggie Watts and Kristen Schaal have all been recipients of this award.
I am so completely and deeply honored to be a part of this event on the year that marks the 25th anniversary of Andy’s passing.
The start of my Pumpkin Penis Tour is in NYC, at Caroline’s for the semi-finals of the Andy Kaufman award. If you are in NY and are able, please come out to support. There will be a whole slew of interesting and unique acts. PLUS the show will be hosted by TONY CLIFTON!!!!!! And we can go get milk and cookies after the show.
