Andrew Geoffrey "Andy" Kaufman

 Andrew Geoffrey "Andy" Kaufman (January 17, 1949 – May 16, 1984)

While often referred to as a comedian, Kaufman did not consider himself to be one. He disdained telling jokes and engaging in comedy as it was traditionally understood, referring to himself instead as a "song-and-dance man". Elaborate ruses and pranks were major elements of his career. His body of work maintains a cult following and he continues to be respected for his original material, performance style, and unflinching commitment to character. In 1983, Kaufman was diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer, despite having never smoked. He tried unconventional methods to fight the disease, but it spread rapidly and ended his life at age 35 in 1984. Andy Kaufman's body was interred in the Beth David Cemetery in Elmont, New York, (Long Island).