Andy Kaufman

Andy Kaufman was not a comedian in the traditional sense; he was a performance artist who used the stage to confuse, frustrate, and delight his audiences. Whether he was reading 'The Great Gatsby' in its entirety or wrestling women, Kaufman blurred the lines between reality and performance. His work was a precursor to modern reality TV and the 'cringe' comedy of the 21st century. He remains a cult icon whose influence is felt in the work of any performer who seeks to challenge the audience's expectations of what a show should be.