Andy Kaufman quotes

Andy Kaufman was an American comedian and performance artist renowned for his unconventional style and boundary-pushing acts. His approach blended absurdist humor, impersonations, and elaborate pranks that often left audiences questioning reality. He continues to influence generations of comedians with his unique take on performance and comedy. Here are 12 of his quotes:

Pure entertainment is not an egotistical lady singing boring songs onstage for two hours and people in tuxes clapping whether they like it or not. It's the real performers on the street who can hold people's attention and keep them from walking away.

Andy Kaufman

I just want real reactions. I want people to laugh from the gut, be sad from the gut - or get angry from the gut.

Andy Kaufman

My mother sent me to psychiatrists since the age of four because she didnt think little boys should be sad. When my brother was born, I stared out the window for days. Can you imagine that?

Andy Kaufman

There's no way to describe what I do. It's just me.

Andy Kaufman

If I play my cards right, I could bring network wrestling back to TV. Unfortunately, to most people, wrestling is a laughingstock. But fortunately, I'm reaching people who otherwise wouldn't watch it.

Andy Kaufman

I am not a comic, I have never told a joke...The comedian's promise is that he will go out there and make you laugh with him...My only promise is that I will try to entertain you as best I can....They say, 'Oh wow, Andy Kaufman, he's a really funny guy.' But I'm not trying to be funny. I just want to play with their heads."

Andy Kaufman

What's real? What's not? That's what I do in my act, test how other people deal with reality.

Andy Kaufman

I never told a joke in my life.

Andy Kaufman

While all the other kids were out playing ball and stuff, I used to stay in my room and imagine that there was a camera in the wall. And I used to really believe that I was putting on a television show and that it was going out to somewhere in the world.

Andy Kaufman

When I perform, it's very personal. I'm sharing things I like, inviting the audience into my room.

Andy Kaufman