logo

Andy Kaufman once stunned Johnny Cash with a perfect Elvis Presley impression

Manuela Cardiga
Dec 27, 2018
10:04 P.M.

The deceased Andy Kaufman was the best Elvis impersonator ever, and the King loved him.

Advertisement

Fans of both Elvis Presley and Andy Kaufman remember the unique moment the King of Comedy brought the King of Rock 'n Roll back to life.

Two years after Elvis Presley passed away, Kaufman gave the performance of his life on the "The Johnny Cash Show" Christmas special in 1979.

Source: Wikipedia

Source: Wikipedia

“You know, Elvis Presley once said that out of all the Elvis imitators, the one that he enjoyed the most is our guest Andy Kaufman.”

KAUFMAN: THE SONG AND DANCE MAN

In the 70s Kaufman exploded into the comedy world like an atom bomb. He was irreverent, controversial and instinctively funny - and completely unique.

Advertisement

He was also an incredible singer, dancer, and impersonator. One of his most successful impersonations was the King himself, Elvis Presley.

Source: YouTube/ Orville Morris

Source: YouTube/ Orville Morris

GUESTING AT "JOHNNY CASH'S" CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

In 1979, audiences of Johnny Cash's Christmas special were privileged to witness an incredible moment in entertainment history. The legendary Johnny Cash introduced Kaufman as Elvis' favorite Elvis imitator, and the comedian showed them why.

Advertisement

Sadly, just four years later, in 1984, Andy Kaufman would pass away of lung cancer. He was just 34.

Source: YouTube/ Orville Morris

Source: YouTube/ Orville Morris

THREE LEGENDS ON ONE STAGE

Elvis Presley had passed away in 1977 of a heart attack at the age of 42, but that evening Kaufman brought him back to life. He quickly donned an Elvis wig, a shimmering white suit, and grabbed a guitar. And when he turned around to face that audience, he was Elvis.

Advertisement

AN EERY TRIBUTE TO THE KING OF ROCK 'N ROLL

Kaufman didn't so much imitate as channel Elvis. From the signature lip curl to the hip-shuffle and mannerisms he was Elvis to a "T." And then he started singing.

Kaufman sang "That's When Your Heartache Begins," from Elvis first-ever recording, and closing their eyes, for one magical moment the audience could have believed the King had returned.

Source: ClassicCountryMusic.com

Source: ClassicCountryMusic.com

A BRILLIANT CAREER CUT SHORT BY TRAGEDY

Sadly, just four years later, in 1984, Andy Kaufman would pass away of lung cancer. He was just 34.

Advertisement

Shocked fans refused to believe Kaufman was truly dead, and to this day the rumor persists that the comedian faked his own death.

Kaufman was a great influence in shaping modern comedy and often said that he was not a comedian since he never told jokes.

"I am not a comic, I have never told a joke. ... The comedian's promise is that he will go out there and make you laugh with him... My only promise is that I will try to entertain you as best I can."

Andy Kaufman

And entertain us he has. 34 years after his death, Kaufman is still a mythical figure in the world of comedy, and an enduring cultural icon - and he always will be.

In a related story, one of Bruno Mars' first-ever performances at the age of 6 on the “Arsenio Hall Show” in 1991, where he did an incredible Elvis impersonation.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

How Priscilla Presley Would Look Today If She Never Underwent Disastrous Plastic Surgery: Photos via AI

December 04, 2023

'There Was an Attempt to Steal Elvis’s Body’: Elvis Presley’s Girlfriend on His Death in Toilet at 42

December 21, 2023

Riley Keough Stuns in Plunging Sheer Dress – Fans Say She Resembles Late Mom Lisa Marie & Grandpa Elvis Presley

January 17, 2024

One of Elvis Presley’s Twin Granddaughters, Named after Him, Shows Herself at 15 with Blonde Hair & Makeup

December 18, 2023

Elvis Presley Vowed to Buy Mom a Home When They Shared 1 Bed in Shack — She Wished To Be Poor Again after Moving

January 15, 2024

How the Lives of the Main Cast of 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation' Evolved in over Three Decades

December 06, 2023

This Actress, Who Gave Elvis His First On-Screen Kiss, Left Hollywood for Life in Monastery When ‘God Called’

November 30, 2023

Bob Saget Leaves behind 3 Children Following His Passing Due to Head Injury – Meet His Daughters

January 11, 2024

Why Is Lisa Marie Presley’s Daughter Asked to Pay a Big Debt After Her Famous Mom's Death?

February 01, 2024

‘92? Wow': Hollywood Icon Barbara Eden Spotted in Stylish Black & White Outfit on Rare Outing

November 08, 2023

Priscilla Presley's Only Son Found Happiness in Marriage – He 'Got in Trouble' as a Child Because of Famous Mom

December 21, 2023

Priscilla Presley Permitted to Be Buried Close to Elvis as She Is Set to Receive Lumpsum from Lisa Marie’s Trust

November 03, 2023

Lisa Marie Presley's Twins, Who Loved to Dress Up & Perform on Stage, Now in Their Father's Custody as Singer Died

November 26, 2023

Elvis Presley's Late Daughter Looks 'So Like a Young Elvis' with His 'Deep Eyes' in Never-Before-Seen Photo

February 02, 2024