My mother sent me to psychiatrists since the age of four because she didn't think little boys should be sad. When my brother was born, I stared out the window for days. Can you imagine that?

Tony Clifton

Another well-known Kaufman character is Tony Clifton an audience-abusing lounge singer who began opening for Kaufman at comedy clubs and eventually even performed concerts on his own around the country.

His body of work maintains a cult following and he continues to be respected among comedians for his original material performance style and unflinching commitment to character. While often referred to as a comedian Kaufman did not consider himself to be one.