Self-declared Inter-Gender Wrestling Champion of the World Andy Kaufman will be inducted into the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Hall of Fame class of 2023, Variety reported Monday.
Kaufman was an icon of stage and screen before his sudden premature death from lung cancer in 1984, despite a lifetime as a health nut, Variety reported. He is best known for his work on the sitcom “Taxi,” which ran from 1978 to 1983, and for his eccentric approach to stand-up, which featured Kaufman slipping into personas like the foul-mouthed lounge singer Tony Clifton.
Kaufman also made a big splash in the world of wrestling, offering a $1,000 reward to any woman who could pin him during one of his shows. He also engaged in a long-running feud with his soon-to-be Hall of Fame peer Jerry “The King” Lawler. The pair were actually really great friends, but managed to convince their audience that they hated each other.
The former “Saturday Night Live” alum was also a touring comedian and did a variety of comedy specials throughout his career. Jim Carrey portrayed Kaufman in the 1999 flick “Man on the Moon.”
It’s unclear who will induct Kaufman into the Hall of Fame. Lawler recently suffered a stroke, so he may not be able to attend the ceremony. (RELATED: ICYMI: WOOOO! Ric Flair Gets Icon Treatment In Streaming Feature)
Kaufman absolutely deserves this honor. He changed lives with his ability to bring a laugh out of anyone. One can only imagine what he’d have to say with what the western world has become since his untimely passing.
Please enjoy this epic clip of Letterman from 1982 featuring Kaufman and Lawler in their prime: