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Comedian Andy Kaufman Faked His Death as Part of Long Joke?

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It appears that deceased comedian Andy Kaufman may be pulling one over on all of us.

According to NYPost, Kaufman's writing partner, Bob Zmuda reveals in his book, ANDY KAUFMAN: THE TRUTH, FINALLY, that Kaufman's death was exactly like a bit they wrote for a film called The Tony Clifton Story, which featured a title character based on Kaufman.

Page 124 of the script says, "On June 12, 1980 . . . Tony Clifton, at the age of 45, died of cancer at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Hollywood, California." Four years following that, Kaufman supposedly died from cancer at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Hollywood, California, at age 35.

Additionally, Zmuda believes that Kaufman will return soon to have the last laugh.

Andrew Geoffrey "Andy" Kaufman was a popular and eccentric American entertainer, actor and performance artist. While often referred to as a comedian, Kaufman did not consider himself to be one. He disdained telling jokes and engaging in comedy as it was traditionally understood, referring to himself instead as a "song-and-dance man." Pranks and elaborate ruses were major elements of his career. His body of work maintains a cult following and he continues to be respected[by whom?] for his original material, performance style, and unflinching commitment to character.

Photo credit: ABC's Taxi

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