New comedy award in Kaufman's honour

A new comedy award has been set up in honour of groundbreaking American stand-up Andy Kaufman.

The New York Comedy Festival will present the accolade to the comedian they think most encapsulates the spirit of the late comic, who died of lung cancer a decade ago.

Judges, including Kaufman’s father Stanley and Taxi co-star Tony Danza, are looking for an act that “breaks the barriers of conventional stand-up comedy by evoking emotions from the audience that range from agitation to enlightenment”.

Stanley said: "I am always amazed and quite flattered at the reaction of strangers -old and young- when I am introduced as Andy's father.

"They remember Andy for his courage and creativity in providing them with laughter that was different. It is my hope that this first Andy Kaufman Award will help cultivate a new group of individuals who will help perpetuate Andy's memory."

Kaufman’s manager George Shapiro, another judge, added: “The Kaufman family has come up with the perfect concept to honor Andy's memory by recognizing the individuality and courage of upcoming comedians.

“It is fitting that the first annual Andy Kaufman Award will be presented in New York City where Andy started working out in the stimulating atmosphere of the New York comedy clubs."

The award, which comes with a $7,500 cash prize, will be decided after a number of heats in New York, followed by a final at Carolines on Broadway on Thursday, November 11.

A spokesman for the awards emphasised: “Judges will be looking at competitors for their own originality, humor and courage, not imitators of Andy Kaufman.”

Published: 17 Jul 2004