James Brooks Recalls Kaufman's Wild Taxi Audition

Director James L. Brooks has shared a captivating anecdote about discovering the unique talent of comedian Andy Kaufman. Brooks recounted seeing Kaufman perform a stand-up act in a club, where he skillfully portrayed two contrasting characters. In one instance, Kaufman charmed the audience as 'Foreign Man,' but later reappeared as a different, offensive character that was booed off stage.

This astonishing display of range and performance art immediately struck Brooks, who recalled thinking, "I wanted him immediately for Taxi." Kaufman's manager playfully suggested Brooks would have to "hire the other guy too," acknowledging the comedian's multifaceted persona. This experience cemented Kaufman's future role as the eccentric mechanic Latka Gravas on the hit sitcom.

Kaufman's tenure on Taxi, from 1978 to 1983, was marked by his unpredictable and original performances. Brooks described him as "the first performance artist," emphasizing that there has been "nobody like him before or since." Kaufman sadly passed away in 1984, but his legacy as a groundbreaking entertainer endures.