Andy Kaufman Returns ... or not ???

Twenty years ago the world lost a wonderful comedian in Andy Kaufman who first became known as Latka from the television series Taxi. In 1999, a new crop of Kaufman fans were born after Jim Carrey starred in the hit film Man on the Moon.



According to a PR Web news story, Andy Kaufman faked his own death 20 years ago and has returned, alive and well. DNA tests prove that this is indeed the real Kaufman and not another hoax. Some fans are outraged, others are just glad to know the legendary comic is alive.



"Andy’s bizarre mix of comedy and performance art will inspire fans and comedians alike for generations, especially after this stunt," says Jim Carrey.



Andy Kaufman's official site has been launched at Andy Kaufman Returns which is set up on Google's Blogspot.com. The Andy blogger is also using a HotMail address.



But now, according to the Snopes urban legends website, it's all a hoax.



The website says Kaufman is indeed dead and has a link to his death certificate from the Cedars Sinai Medical Centre to prove it. It also has pictures of his grave and headstone in New York.



Snopes also says the website purporting to carry messages from Kaufman, has admitted Kaufman wasn't interviewed by ABC. It also says Ernst & Young never carried out a DNA test on Kaufman.



Andy (or Bob or whoever) blogged away some of these doubts. The blog, if anything, is a bizarre episode that plays out in true Kaufman form I think.



The blogger has announced Andy Kaufman's National Starbucks and Wal-Mart Tour. He may show up in disguise as an "aging comedy legend who still thinks everyone recognizes him" or an "aging fat and bald guy who thinks he is god's gift to women".



Dead or Alive? You make the call. One thing is certain -- Andy lives in this blog.