Pure entertainment is not an egotistical lady singing boring songs onstage for two hours and people in tuxes clapping whether they like it or not. It's the real performers on the street who can hold people's attention and keep them from walking away.

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.