Actors & Entertainers · Mid 20th Century
Andy Kaufman’s Last Words
“This is it. This is real.”— Andy Kaufman, May 16, 1984
Who Was Andy Kaufman?
Andy Kaufman was one of the most unconventional comedians in history, known for absurdist performances and his character Tony Clifton.
The Final Moments
Kaufman died at Cedars-Sinai from kidney failure related to a rare lung cancer. Because of his history of hoaxes, many fans refused to believe he had died.
Are These Words Verified?
Close friend Bob Zmuda and family members reported Kaufman's acknowledgment that his death was genuine, not a hoax. Given his performance art history, the irony of these final words is well-documented in memoirs.
Sources
- firsthand Family and friends at Cedars-Sinai bedside
- biography Bob Zmuda 'Andy Kaufman Revealed' memoir
- newspaper Contemporary obituaries May 1984
Legacy
Kaufman's avant-garde comedy continues to influence artists; speculation about his death being an elaborate hoax has never entirely ceased.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Andy Kaufman’s last words?
“This is it. This is real.”
How did Andy Kaufman die?
Andy Kaufman died on May 16, 1984 at the age of 35. Cause of death: Renal failure from lung cancer.
Were Andy Kaufman’s last words documented?
Close friend Bob Zmuda and family members reported Kaufman's acknowledgment that his death was genuine, not a hoax. Given his performance art history, the irony of these final words is well-documented in memoirs.