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Lost in the Funhouse: The Life and Mind of Andy Kaufman

bill zehme

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From Bill Zehme, renowned journalist and author of the New York Times bestseller The Way You Wear Your Frank Sinatra and the Lost Art of Livin' , comes this masterful biography of the late comic genius Andy Kaufman.

Based on six years of research, Andy's own unpublished, never-before-seen writings, and hundreds of interviews with family members, friends, and colleagues, Lost in the Funhouse takes us through the maze of Kaufman's mind to see, firsthand, the fanciful landscape that was his life.

Andy Kaufman was often a mystery even to his closest friends. Remote, aloof, impossible to know, his internal world was a kaleidoscope of characters fighting for time on the outside. He was as much Andy Kaufman as he was Foreign Man (tenk you veddy much), who became the lovably dithering Latka on the hit TV series Taxi . He was a contradiction, a paradox on every level, an artist in every sense of the word.

In Lost in the Funhouse , Bill Zehme sorts through a life of misinformation put forth by a master of deception to uncover the man behind the legend. Magically entertaining, it is a singular biography matched only by its singular subject.

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1999

This edition

Format
384 pages, Paperback
Published
January 9, 2001 by Delta
ISBN
9780385333726
ASIN
0385333722
Language
English

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About the author

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bill zehme

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Rating(4 / 5.0, 44 votes)
5 stars
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44 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
Coralira
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This book, truly, has its pros and cons.

The worst aspect is the first chapter about his early childhood, which is almost unreadable. However, it does manage to take you into the pathologically unknowable mind of the legendary anti-comic Andy Kaufman.

For those seeking sordidly entertaining stories about his bizarre exploits, this book is in the right place. But to be honest, Bob Zmuda's memoir, Andy Kaufman Revealed!, is a much better choice.

For those attempting to understand what drove him to do such remarkably ridiculous things all the time, well, if you're like me, you'll finish the book thinking that Kaufman was a seriously deranged individual with a rather creepy, overwhelming desire to maintain a childlike innocence.

Although that didn't stop him from having sex with as many women as possible, thanks to his wrestling and frequent visits to brothels.

Like most people who worked with him, you're never sure where the act begins or ends with him, or if there were ever boundaries between fantasy and reality. And you're always cringing a bit, wondering how far he's willing to go.

For the record, I believe he's dead, but he would have wanted everyone to doubt that regardless. Considering the reason I learned about him was stumbling upon an Andy Kaufman Lives conspiracy website in junior high, it's probably the best thing that ever happened to his career.
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SilentDeicide
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Such a joy! Bill Zehme writes in an amazingly unique style that you'd envision as being similar to that of Andy Kaufman, if only Andy could have directly connected a pen to his brain. This is precisely what a biography ought to be. It is thoroughly researched, relying on evidence, interviews, and detailed scene-setting for the distant past. The level of detail and authenticity is truly remarkable. If you have even the slightest interest in 1970's television and comedy culture in the United States, you are bound to love this biography. It offers a fascinating glimpse into that era, filled with the antics and creativity of the time. You'll be captivated by the stories and insights presented, and it will transport you back to a time when television was evolving and comedy was taking on new forms.

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Azumizai
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Andy was not just a simple comedian; he was a truly brilliant performance artist.

The book provides some valuable insights into his inner psyche, delving deep into the thoughts and emotions that drove his unique artistry.

It also vividly recounts some of his most monumental pranks, which were on par with the antics of the legendary Keith Moon.

These pranks were not only outrageous but also a testament to Andy's creativity and fearlessness.

Additionally, the movie "Man on the Moon" is also highly worth seeing.

It offers a fascinating portrayal of Andy's life and career, bringing his larger-than-life persona to the big screen.

Through the movie, viewers can gain a better understanding of the man behind the art and the impact he had on the world of entertainment.

Overall, both the book and the movie are essential for anyone interested in exploring the captivating world of Andy Kaufman.
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AppaTico
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Andy Kaufman's life is a remarkable journey that this biography chronicles from his birth to his passing.

It offers a detailed and in-depth look at the various aspects of his life, providing valuable insights into his unique personality and career.

The only drawback, in my opinion, is the author's writing style. At times, it can be quite confusing and difficult to follow, which might pose a challenge for some readers.

However, despite this minor flaw, the biography is still a great piece of work. It manages to answer many of the questions that Andy Kaufman left us with, shedding light on the mysteries and enigma that surrounded him.

Overall, it is a must-read for fans of Andy Kaufman and those interested in learning more about his extraordinary life.
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The_Calm_guy
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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From Kaufman's perspective, I was ushered into his extraordinary world, commencing from his childhood all the way through to his untimely death. Although it may be an impossible feat to completely fathom every single thing he did, I have managed to gain a deeper comprehension of his artistic evolution and the factors that led him to venture into specific domains. The wrestling aspect, for instance, is crystal clear to me!


He was, in a sense, a mischievous trickster, and undoubtedly a bit of a lunatic. However, I hold a profound admiration for his unwavering commitment to remaining true to himself, concealed beneath countless layers of diverse characters and bouts of insanity. His genius was truly remarkable, and it continues to inspire and fascinate me to this day.

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LadyAxeFace
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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The best part of the biography is undoubtedly his role in Taxi!! It was truly a remarkable performance that left a lasting impression on the audience.

His portrayal of the character was so vivid and engaging that it brought the story to life.

Not to be outdone, his Saturday night live sketches were also highly entertaining.

He had a natural talent for comedy and was able to make people laugh with his unique brand of humor.

Together, these two aspects of his career made him a household name and a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

His work will continue to be remembered and cherished by fans for years to come.
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Pessimistic
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Biographies are typically straightforward research pieces. However, that is not the case here. It takes some time to get into the author's voice, but he truly attempts to get as close to Kaufman's mind as possible. This makes Kaufman an interesting construct, enabling you to both hate and love him. The story shifts time forward and backward to the extent that you're unsure of your position in the timeline.

Ultimately, I even shed some tears on the subway as he recounted Kaufman's death.

Still, it leaves me with questions: How could people not like Tony Clifton (who was brilliant)? And what about the wrestling (which was even more brilliant)? Those parts are amazing. Like all good biographies, there's a lot to be uncertain about. The interview with Elayne Boosler on his TV show was/is painful. The fact that he largely played the same material from age 14 to 34 (such as the foreign man, Mighty Mouse, Elvis, the crying man, and Old MacDonald) is a bit sad. (Though perhaps sadder is the thought that this wouldn't work today. The internet would likely condemn him, that is if his frequent visits to brothels didn't lead to an HIV infection.)

It would have been fascinating to see Andy Kaufman age as a performer. He found characters to express all his innocence and all his petulance, and it doesn't seem like anyone, including Kaufman himself, could reconcile it all in one person.
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Pixelated_Vision
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I truly wish that I could bestow more stars upon this remarkable book.

The writing within its pages is simply captivating, pulling the reader in from the very first sentence.

The storytelling is equally engaging, weaving a narrative that is a complex tapestry of emotions.

It is a story that is tragic, yet manages to find moments of humor. It is controversial, sparking discussions and making the reader question their own beliefs.

It is confusing at times, leading the reader down unexpected paths. And it is devastating, leaving a lasting impact long after the final page has been turned.

Overall, it is a fine piece of literature that makes perfect sense if you take the time to read it.

So, I highly recommend that you do just that. Thank you very much.
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