Party Set for Andy Kaufman, Just in Case

For some odd reason, I am an Andy Kaufmann fan. Not because I enjoy following him around from point A to point B, or that I have every routine he’s ever done stashed away somewhere, but rather I enjoyed his style of entertainment. He knew exactly how to play his audience – and sometimes give them what they deserved. In short, he offered experiences as an alternative to the mindless entertainment one might get from a television show or something.

So when I see something like this, my ears perk up:

Andy Kaufman died of lung cancer on May 16, 1984, but according to legend, the eccentric comedian said if he were faking, he’d resurface 20 years later to the day.

So, just in case, a party is being planned by Bob Zmuda, Kaufman’s best friend and partner, at the House of Blues in Los Angeles on May 16.

“Over 100 personal ads will be taken out across the country and abroad, reminding him of his words. Will he show?” Zmuda asked on the Web site for Comic Relief, a series of shows that raise money for health care for the homeless.

Is Kaufmann dead? Who knows? But Tony Clifton will always be with us. . .