Andy

I'm not a biographer. Yes, the book that granted me access into various rooms that I would not have been invited into was a biography. That aside, I'm not a biographer.

I did want to write about Andy Kaufman, but the late Bill Zehme beat me to it. And it's a great book. Great title, great cover photo, great all around. I'm still jealous.

My wife tells me that I can write my own book about Andy, that it would be unique; but as much as I love her, I don't see the point.

Andy Kaufman was a huge influence on me. When I first did stand-up, it was colored by Andy. I'd go onstage and read from TV Guide, telling the audience what they were missing by watching someone like me. They didn't find it funny. It wasn't meant to be funny. I was merely a reporter.

This continued when I moved to NYC in 1982. I did what was later called "anti-comedy." It's amazing that I got joke writing gigs out of that.

Later in time, I met and talked with Andy's creative partner, Bob Zmuda. Bob was very down to earth. I felt Andy through him. I never mentioned any of their bits or stunts, because Bob knew that I knew. That was enough.

I don't know if someone like Andy Kaufman could exist today. Or maybe there are many of him. I hope so. In any event, you can't stop genius.