Andy Kaufman, The SNL Star Whose Death Became A Conspiracy Theory
YouTubeAndy Kaufman performed frequently on Saturday Night Live before he was voted off the show.
Andy Kaufman, who made 16 appearances on Saturday Night Live early in its run, died on May 16, 1984 at the age of 35.
At least — that’s the official story.
An offbeat comic and performance artist, Kaufman brought his unorthodox act to SNL until viewers voted him off the show in its eighth season. He played characters like “Mighty Mouse” and “Foreign Man” and did an impression of Elvis Presley. Kaufman was also on the sitcom Taxi, which ran from 1978 until 1983.
Then, in May 1984, Andy Kaufman died of lung cancer at the age of 35. The news came as a shock. Though Kaufman had apparently learned about the disease that January, his publicist told The New York Times that the comic did not smoke and “In fact, he was a health food fanatic.”
Public DomainAndy Kaufman as “Foreign Man.”
The suddenness of Kaufman’s passing, and his experimental comedy style, has led some to believe that Kaufman faked his death. In 2013, Kaufman’s own brother even claimed that Kaufman was still alive.
Indeed, it can be hard to accept when someone dies suddenly and prematurely. But though these SNL cast members died at a young age, they live on through the show. The best clips of John Belushi, Gilda Radner, and others are easily accessible online. Their comedic magic shines — even decades after they performed on the iconic 30 Rock stage.
After reading about these SNL member deaths, go inside the disturbing story of Lana Clarkson, the actress shot to death by Phil Spector. Or learn the sad story of Corey Haim, the former child star who died at the young age of 38.
