I just want real reactions. I want people to laugh from the gut, be sad from the gut - or get angry from the gut.

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.