Andy Kaufman's Alter-Ego Tony Clifton At The Comedy Store

He's vile, offensive, loud, usually drunk and frankly pretty washed-up. But he sure knows how to put on a show.

Tony Clifton may not be a name that immediately rings bells of recognition--unless you're a die-hard fan of legendary late comedian Andy Kaufman's. Or maybe you happened to catch the 1999 biopic on the zany prankster's life: Man on the Moon.

In it, Clifton is Kaufman's alter-ego--a drunken jerk who blasts onto the set of Taxi with prostitutes in tow, reaching his end goal of offending just about everyone in sight.

People had assumed that the moustachioed menace was Kaufman in disguise but when the hoaxer had his friend Bob Zmuda dress up as Tony Clifton--Kaufman's friends and fans were flummoxed.

In truth, Tony Clifton was a real person--a jaded and cantankerous performer that Kaufman once happened upon in Vegas back in the day.

Well, this summer, 'Tony' is back and doing a Friday night residency at The Comedy Store in West Hollywood, through August 24th. The Tony Clifton Late-Nite Revue (Special Edition) will take place at 11:30 for you night owls. The show is 21 and over with a two drink minimum and costs $20 general admission.

Whether this is 'the real Tony Clifton,' Zmuda or some crazed Kaufman fan remains a mystery--and that's the way we like it in Hollywood.

Related: Free Comedy in Los Angeles

Photo Courtesy of TonyClifton.net Via BSG PR