The first official documentary about Andy Kaufman’s life and career is in the works.
The late comedian/actor/wrestler was well-liked in the 1970s and 1980s. Many fans will recall him from his appearances on the “Taxi” series from 1978 to 1983. He is best remembered by wrestling fans for his feud with Jerry “The King” Lawler on Memphis wrestling in 1983.
While wrestling, he would work out bouts against women he chose from the crowd, earning him heat. Lawler eventually gave him a piledriver. Lawler slapped Kaufman during an appearance on David Letterman’s NBC Late Night show. The feud was portrayed in the 1999 film “Man on the Moon” by Jim Carrey, who played Kaufman. Kaufman was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this year.
According to Deadline, The Rock and Dany Garcia’s Seven Bucks Productions will produce the documentary alongside Campfire Studios, Worldwide Pants Incorporated, and Fifth Season.
It will be directed by Clay Tweel. Fifth Season (Mary Tyler Moore, Kiss the Future) is financing it, and Mary Lisio is in charge.
The Andy Kaufman Estate is collaborating on the film, which will provide “unprecedented and exclusive access to Kaufman’s family, as well as personal and never-before-seen archives and private recordings.”
Worldwide Pants will be executive produced by David Letterman, Tom Keaney, Tyler Kaufman, Tweel, Tommy Avallone, Ross Girard, and Rebecca Evans.
