“Taxi” Star Judd Hirsch Flipped Out on Andy Kaufman’s Tony Clifton Alter Ego During an Infamous On-Set Showdown

Taxi Star Judd Hirsch’s Confrontation with Andy Kaufman’s Tony Clifton Alter Ego

In a legendary tale from the entertainment world, Taxi star Judd Hirsch found himself in an intense confrontation with Andy Kaufman’s infamous alter ego, Tony Clifton, on the set of the iconic late ’70s and early ’80s sitcom. The dramatic incident, now recounted in the new Kaufman documentary ‘Thank You Very Much’, sheds light on a moment of chaos and tension behind the scenes.

The arrival of Tony Clifton, a character portrayed by comedian Andy Kaufman, caused disruptions and displeasure among the cast of Taxi. Unbeknownst to his co-stars, Kaufman had included a clause in his contract stipulating that Clifton must appear in an episode, or he would not continue his role as Latka Gravas on the show. This unexpected twist threw the cast into disarray, prompting a showdown that would go down in television history.

Recalling the chaotic situation, Bob Zmurda, Kaufman’s best friend and writer, reveals the cast’s outrage at Clifton’s disruptive presence. With tensions running high, the behind-the-scenes clash between Kaufman’s persona and his co-stars reached a boiling point, leading to a memorable incident that is now immortalized in the documentary ‘Thank You Very Much’.

As captured in audio from the set, Judd Hirsch, known for his role as Alex Rieger on Taxi, can be heard engaging in a heated argument with Clifton. The exchange, filled with frustration and defiance, underscores the intense emotions that permeated the set during that fateful day of filming.

Danny DeVito, who portrayed Louis DePalma on the show, reflects on the surreal moment when Clifton made his grand entrance, accompanied by an entourage that added to the chaos. The unexpected turn of events left the cast stunned and questioning the direction of the production, as Clifton’s antics threatened to disrupt the harmony they had worked hard to maintain.

Following the on-set showdown, a decision was made to remove Clifton from the premises, with security escorting him away as onlookers, including members of the press, witnessed the commotion. The aftermath of the incident sparked headlines questioning Andy Kaufman’s state of mind, as the boundary between reality and performance blurred in a way that left many perplexed.

Through the lens of ‘Thank You Very Much’, viewers are offered a glimpse into the complex world of Andy Kaufman, his multifaceted personas, and the impact they had on those around him. The documentary weaves together interviews, archival footage, and personal insights to paint a comprehensive portrait of a comedic genius whose unconventional approach to entertainment continues to fascinate audiences.

In a rare behind-the-scenes look at a pivotal moment in television history, the clash between Judd Hirsch and Andy Kaufman’s Tony Clifton serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and creativity that defined Kaufman’s career. The legacy of this iconic comedian lives on, immortalized in stories that highlight the boundary-pushing nature of his comedic vision.