Ep 6. Andy Kaufman

In season 7 episode 6 of Autopsy: The Last Hours Of..., the focus shifts to Andy Kaufman, an American comedian and actor who passed away at the young age of 35. Andy Kaufman was a unique figure in the entertainment industry who gained notoriety for his eccentric approach to comedy. However, his life was cut short by a rare form of lung cancer that was only identified after his death.

The episode begins by exploring Andy Kaufman's upbringing and early years in the entertainment industry. Born in New York City in 1949, Kaufman grew up in a family of performers, with his mother being a professional dancer and his father a keyboard player. As a child, Kaufman displayed a natural talent for mimicry and comedy, often performing skits for his friends and family.

After graduating from high school, Kaufman pursued a career in show business, eventually finding success as a comedian in the 1970s. He was known for his unconventional style, which often involved playing elaborate pranks on his audiences and pretending to be other characters. Kaufman's most famous character was a gruff, foreign-born lounge singer named Tony Clifton, whom he would perform in character as for entire shows.

Despite his success, Kaufman was also a controversial figure. Many critics accused him of being misogynistic and insensitive, particularly in the way he portrayed women in his comedy. He also faced criticism for his tendency to blur the line between reality and performance, leading some to question whether some of his more extreme stunts were actually staged.

As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that Kaufman's health was rapidly deteriorating in the years leading up to his death. He began experiencing persistent coughing, shortness of breath, and fatigue, symptoms that he attributed to his role as Tony Clifton, which involved smoking and heavy drinking. However, as his condition worsened, Kaufman came to realize that something more serious was wrong.

Despite seeking medical help, Kaufman's condition went undiagnosed for several years. He saw numerous doctors, all of whom attributed his symptoms to various other causes, such as allergies or stress. Meanwhile, Kaufman continued to perform, even as his health declined further. He began to lose weight and became increasingly frail, leading many of his fans to worry about his well-being.

Finally, in 1984, Kaufman was diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer that had spread throughout his body. He was given only a few months to live. Kaufman initially kept his diagnosis a secret from his fans, continuing to perform and refusing to cancel tour dates. However, as his condition worsened, he was forced to cancel shows and eventually retreated from public view.

The episode concludes with an examination of Kaufman's death and the legacy that he left behind. Many of Kaufman's fans and colleagues were shocked by his passing, as few knew the full extent of his illness. However, his death also served as a reminder of the toll that years of heavy smoking and drinking can take on the body. Despite his short life, Kaufman left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry, inspiring a new generation of comedians and performers. His unique approach to comedy and willingness to push boundaries continue to influence artists to this day.