Man on the Moon is a
1999 biopic of the American entertainer
Andy Kaufman.
The film, starring
Jim Carrey and directed by
Miloš Forman, begins at Kaufman's childhood, where he is seen performing imaginary television programs for stuffed animals. The story traces Kaufman's steps through the numerous
comedy clubs, and television appearances that made him famous, including his memorable appearances on
Saturday Night Live,
Late Night with David Letterman,
Fridays, and his role as "
Latka Gravas" on the television
sitcom Taxi. The film pays particular attention to the various
inside jokes,
scams, put-ons, and
happenings for which Kaufman was famous, most significantly his long-running "feud" with wrestler
Jerry "The King" Lawler and his portrayal of the bawdy
lounge singer Tony Clifton.