Comic Kaufman invited to his own wake

Fans of cult American comic Andy Kaufman have invited him to a party - even though he died of lung cancer in 1984.

Kaufman, best known for playing Latka in Taxi, told friends that were he ever to fake his own death, he would return 20 later years to the day.

So on that date, May 16, Kaufman's friend, partner and biographer Bob Zmuda is hosting a Los Angeles party in the hope he will make good his promise.

Even if the eccentric stand-up doesn't show, the event will raise money for Comic Relief, which was founded by Zmuda.

On the charity's website, he wrote: "Over 100 personal ads will be taken out, across the country and abroad, reminding him of his words. Will he show?"

While waiting for Kaufman to turn up, fans at the House Of Blues will be treated to performances from stand-ups Rodney Dangerfield, Caroline Rhea and others, plus wrestler Jerry 'The King' Lawler, with whom Kaufman had a long-running (and carefully stage-managed) feud.

An appearance is also promised from Las Vegas lounge lizard Tony Clifton, one of Kaufman's characters.

Published: 9 May 2004