While all the other kids were out playing ball and stuff, I used to stay in my room and imagine that there was a camera in the wall. And I used to really believe that I was putting on a television show and that it was going out to somewhere in the world.

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.