[ARCHIVES] ANDY KAUFMAN INTERVIEWING HOWDY DOODY

[@SpamNapkin]

This is the most pure, genuine thing ever shown on television

[@justine.redmond6280]

He's being sincere here. This is Andy Kaufman with one of his earliest inspirations. He started performing his show when he was 4 years old. So this moment is essentially his hopes/dreams/aspirations coming full circle. Sure, the audience is initially heedful and unsure of how to react because of Andy's typical nature, but by the end of it they realize that what they're seeing is something real.

[@tygersflowerz]

I love how Andy seriously got excited over things like this. This video is so genuine because you can tell how sincere he is. He reminds us to embrace the kid inside ourselves.

[@Lumpy63]

This is just such a sincere beautiful moment between Andy and his childhood idol, he is indeed sincere and very moved to be able to tell Howdy how much he meant to him and still did,...sure do miss Andy Kaufman, a comedic genius who had amazing guts and was willing to do anything....

[@wickedfeylady]

I think Andy is as close as we'll ever get to seeing the 'real him' here. He means what he's saying

[@eins2001]

The Letterman episode where he talks about love was also genuine

[@7beers]

Penn Jillette: I remember when he did the TV special that had him interviewing Howdy Doody. Teller came to me afterwards saying how he was just sobbing uncontrollably, how it was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen, the love for Howdy Doody and the way he was willing to completely capture dealing with Howdy Doody as a real person when you're a child. With no apology and nothing to protect him. It was just so moving to Teller.... continued....

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

very sweet! 2022

[@7beers]

@@barbarabaldwin7120 What took you so long? I've been waiting for you for 13 years!

[@Gekthegecko]

@@7beers Penn brought up this story in a recent episode of his podcast. It lives up to the story.

[@sublimeade]

Teller doesnt speak 🤔

[@michealmalloy9351]

All his walls are down and his masks are off in sincere gratitude. This is beautiful.

[@strannick2212]

Howdy Doody played his role perfectly, which won Andy's respect and his heart

[@Rankerquat]

I hope Howdy is still doing alright in that box of his... Same goes for Andy.

[@nolkil7624]

I know it's a morbid joke, but that was actually sweet of you to say

[@timothyreuscher8511]

You can see it in his eyes, he really idolised Howdy. He probably never thought he'd see him. Everyone is laughing, but Andy is living his childhood dream of meeting Howdy. Howdy is genuinely real to him.

[@WatchVenusSpa]

I'm willing to bet that this wasn't even rehearsed. Just sublime stuff.

[@funtimewithnickandfriends1998]

I like how they used the actual puppet from the original show

[@drmoonrat]

This was really a beautiful moment. I'm glad I got to see this.

[@daveconleyportfolio5192]

A puppet voiced by a man behind a curtain -- unreal yet with a magical reality all its own. Isn't that what Andy Kaufman was going for all along? Only no strings and no curtain.

[@drawboy6x3]

Wow. This actually almost made me cry.

[@michealmalloy9351]

Same here. Came very very close

[@izzy430]

I think Andy was so adorable, he had a sweet smile. :)

[@varicosevaynes]

Although he was clearly playing up his shtick for this, I still think he genuinely cared about Howdy Doody and was saying some true things about how much he looked up to him as a kid. He was able to incorporate his off-beat performance art with his real feelings about the character in a way that even still leaves people confused as to whether or not he was being "real" here or how much of it was "real", which just goes to show you the skill he had as a performance artist.

[@AlienProbe73]

Andy Kaufmans caricature of himself was always so childlike and seemingly innocent, beautiful and subtle.

[@NotData]

I read that they were originally going to use a later version of Howdy Doody, perhaps one from the 1970s remake. Andy threw a fit and insisted that he get the original version from the original show.

[@derekwalker87]

I think this was sincere. He almost had to throw in little bits and pieces of truth in order to make his many lies convincing. Though I doubt Andy ever sat in the Peanut Gallery, I do believe he loved Howdy Doody, and that the emotion here is legitimate. Just because he seemingly lacked empathy doesn't make it so. Not all the time.

[@chrisridenhour]

Derek Walker there is a vid on KZbin s Bob Zmuda talking about how Andy met Andy Warhol and they didn’t know what to talk about until Bob mentioned their love of Howdy Doody and they talked for almost an hour about it

[@madmmayhim7611]

goog gle that was a lawn jockey. Get tested.

[@shawnruby7011]

Why was he irritated at the start tho? The first back and forth seemed insincere between them that Andy got taken aback. Also the puppeteer misread the situation and tried to fake chummy it at the end which similarly threw Andy off. He might have been trying to do a character which didn't hit. Idk what the start was though

[@EileenJohnFilmCo1]

Loved this. Thank you, Andy Kaufman.

[@IamSpacedad]

Really touching. Two legends meeting heart to heart.

[@grawakendream8980]

this wells me up with tears. probably becuse it's such an authentic moment kaufman put together of himself to share on tv

[@lego4271]

I for some reason want to believe this is real Andy more than anything else.

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

yes. think it was

[@grawakendream8980]

this is him

[@Ehringhause]

Andy Kaufman was a comedic genius

[@Giubarchetta]

I'll cry for weeks.

[@StevenBanks123]

Touching.

[@_maryade]

that's why I love this clip... Howdy Doody was Andy's childhood hero and it meant world to him to get to meet this puppet. :)

[@55pilot]

I watched Howdy Doody every day along with his cast of Mr. Bluster, Dilly Dally, Flub A Dubb, Princess SummerFallWinterSpring and Buffalo Bob. Oh, memories!

[@lordburlap4514]

Magical. Rest easy, Andy.

[@susanam3754]

This is art. He was a real artist.

[@andscott100]

R.I.P Andy Kaufman

[@montgomeryward9952]

Me watching this when I see Andy I see jim Carey when he played him in the man in the moon movie.its uncanny I just can't help it.🥴

[@siltysand]

I just finished "Lost in the Funhouse" It's a great look at Andy's life. It's really a shame that he had to leave us so soon.

[@flyingwombatperson]

this is the most genuine thing i've seen andy do, it's very odd...

[@daren420c]

misscanadarain No it didn't, that was an actual segment during this show. Look up "Andy Kaufman ABC TV Special Andy's Funhouse Uncut with commercials Howdy Doody Elvis 1977 1979" here on KZbin and fast forward to 43 minutes 25 seconds.

[@shigsho]

Yes, This was GREAT and thanks for posting. Andy was great as most have said but may I throw in that Howdy and Buffalo Bob Smith were "both" great entertainers and true legends. I loved them and along with Andy and miss them too. This was great.

[@grawakendream8980]

apparently bob was sort of a sleazy douche. he was probably nervous though

[@wardarcade7452]

Yes, I do believe that Mr. Kaufman was being completely sincere in praising Howdy Doody and meeting his childhood idol! However, I wonder how Howdy's puppeteer felt while trying to keep things entertaining but at the same time honoring Mr. Kaufman's sincerity (and acknowledging that many viewers at home likely felt the same way). The puppeteer stayed perfectly polite while letting Mr.Kaufman touch and shake the puppet's tiny hand- and in explaining how the puppet had spent his after-show life in a box- for years but wanted the audience to know that Howdy wanted them to do good in their lives and that he'd never forgotten them! Still, it must have been an awkward balance for the puppeteer!

[@aaronfowlkes3910]

On seeing "Howdy Doody" amble out onto the stage from behind the curtain, the similarity to Ronald Reagan is striking. But, Howdy Doody was a deeper thinker, even Plato-like, compared to the Gipper. Anyway, I digress. This show, and the other original TV shows displayed far more creativity and inspiration than the usual fare of today. Andy Kaufman was a great comedian who had ideas that went beyond standard formulaic/hackneyed routines that are current today, excluding SNL, and Cedric the Entertainer, and a few other brilliant comedians.

[@macy077]

this brings back SO many memories! =' )

[@haruhell5112]

Someone know is this was kinda inspiration for Toy Story? I mean Woody is kinda Howdy Doody and Andy can be named for Andy Kaufman. Idk.

[@michealmalloy9351]

Wow

[@TwesomE]

I believe disney & pixar took some really serious vibes from this character and not only! 😉

[@Thinkfreelyindependent]

It is yes

[@ThoseAmericanGirlsOfficial]

Most moving momant in TV histry yo

[@Fibonaccisghost]

Howdy's right. All those lessons we learned as kids still apply as adults. True wisdom.

[@7beers]

... continued... I dont think there's a month that goes by when Teller doesnt mention the interview with Howdy Doody as the only moment on television that really moved him.

[@hellreza]

i was expecting the vertical hold to go all funny.

[@jfk1000]

Absolutely wholesome! Love it!

[@ceegee9064]

Bob Zmuda tells a story about Andy Kaufman meeting Andy Warhol and they were both really quiet until Bob mentioned that they both were huge fans of Howdy Doody, which set them to talking for the better part of an hour! kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6e1c5mJYsuYi7s

[@mrksmth]

That was some brilliant work he did in that spot.When Andy mentions the puppeteer and Howdy glances up, it's gold.

[@lowellisaac]

Exactly-- the puppet seems more in touch with reality than Andy-- that's what's so brilliant about this.

[@MrJgohde]

Howdy wanted to talk to a real human, NOT a dummy.

[@_maryade]

really touching meeting!!

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

yes

[@johnprovince5304]

Howdy's on display at the Smithsonian Institute along with Archie Bunker's chair and Fonzie's leather jacket.

[@bert_gimspon]

The world was such an interesting place in those days. Must have been so interesting to live in those years through the birth of the television and radio.

[@indigokids88]

We are watching this 😂❤❤

[@tscotwv]

According to the book his friend Bob Zmuda wrote, Andy was very nervous about meeting the puppet. In fact, he claims the original puppet wasnt brought at first, but rather one called Photo Doody that was used for props. Zmuda said Andy literally screamed and stormed into his dressing room. The guy that brought the puppet was shocked that Andy could tell the difference. The original was then brought in afterwards. There has been criticism of the book though, including from the Kaufman family.

[@pooperscooper9176]

Gotta love Andy he’s the greatest

[@lourdesdelapena1852]

Yes...rip Andy...🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻

[@EricBlackmonGuitar]

That was cool.

[@garylaskowski2476]

Is this skit the inspiration for "Woody" and "Andy" for Toy Story?. Hmmm

[@Thinkfreelyindependent]

Yes

[@gmamagillmore4812]

That looked like Photo Duddy.

[@elvis316]

I find this somewhat disturbing, yet peaceful. I think that's how andy would have wanted it.

[@sadhouse]

Can we see the episode with Andy as a Child ? I was in the Peanut Gallery and related , freaked me out when I saw the strings and old dudes smoking Cigarettes and pulling the strings but like Andy still loved that show . Andy was a Master of HIS art.

[@RajpalNandedkar]

ANDY KAUFMAN, WAS SO SO SO AHEAD OF HIS TIME. PURE GENUINE REALISTIC LIVE COMEDY KING... IMPROV GOD ! PLEASE LIKE IF ANYONE AGREES

[@herasfolly]

Oh this made me cry!! You really felt Andy was sincere in his belief in this little puppet..and he actually spoke how felt about him.. Did anyone hear a catch in Howdy's oice (Buffalo Bob) when talking to Andy at the end?

[@PoeticProphetic]

All of a sudden the vertical hold stopped working. I had to get up and smack my tv 📺 😊

[@chompmafia]

maybe some people never let go of the joy, wonder and amazement of being a child... unlike you.

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

yes. I felt like to real people were taking!

[@chainsawteddybear]

tears

[@mikefortier7081]

Somehow the puppet looks uncomfortable

[@_maryade]

this is so awesome...

[@rebeccarabinowitz6590]

Someone really ought to bring Howdy onto "Sesame Street"... Someone would probably need to get permission from one of the museums holding the Howdy puppets though.

[@roky36]

Andy Kaufman.......in and out of reality

[@wimgrundyearth5753]

It was my real pleasure and a privilege.

[@ma1375]

Howdy doodies from this era still run the world...

[@ProjectFlashlight612]

"Poignant" is the word

[@Dead-ladybug]

They just keep getting closer and closer

[@Agent1W]

My mom had the Howdy Doody Christmas special on VHS that I absolutely LOVED watching as a kid.

[@bloodlinefilms]

this is like the wholesome version of ricky gervais meeting the muppets.

[@madkittyjoey70]

Andy was very funny in Taxi. And Howdy Doody was so cute!

[@zimzam9166]

Where's the vertical hold thing

[@xvoy2002]

ON this show, Howdy Doody is quite a bit shorter than I remember. But he certainly has aged well. Rumour had it that he had a conract dispute that led to his firing from the show. He tried doing some film work but when the studios found out about his prison record they stopped the deal.

[@BusStopProductions.]

Am, I the only one to point out that no one got Andy a chair to sit in? He's crouching the whole segment.

[@shimatetsuo2019]

Baby boomers seemingly had a good life. They grew up to Howdy Doody & the Mickey Mouse club. Were children during the “Pleasantville” ‘50s. They got to experience the ‘60s in their teens. Enough said about in itself. The 70s are a great time to be in your exploring twenties. Society is free and the censorship that ruined it hasn’t arrived yet. By the 80s, they’re making tons of money, buying homes, lots of coke & partying as Yuppies during a commercial boom and amazing time to be in your thirties. Sorry Gen Z. You’ve got COVID, a cold world, unoriginal artistic progress, and race hatred.

[@1musiclvr]

I think a lot of us baby boomers felt the same way, deep down. I know I did. I remember seeing this clip on tv when it aired and could totally relate.

[@TheFanboy19]

[After being told his special won't be aing due to lack of comedy Andy is spending his spare time from Taxi as a busboy at a local diner; two guys spot him] Blue Collar Guy : Hey! Hey! Excuse me. Are you Andy Kaufman? Andy Kaufman : I get that all the time.

[@idontgetno]

I was half afraid Andy would treat Howdy like they treated Mr. Bill on SNL...or do some really obscene inappropriate Howard Stern / South Park kinda thing. Getting extremely cynical as I get older. But he was a class act. God rest Andy, Buffalo Bob, and all who have gone on. may the memories, and our Inner Child, ever remain pristine.

[@GeorgeCostanzaisCorrect]

Wait where's the part where it makes you think the TV is broken?

[@michaelcase8574]

They could have at least hidden the shadows of the pupetteer. I loved HD!

[@lindarogow5338]

Who is the human being who created that puppet persona???? I would like to thank him or her. Reminds me of the french film. Lili. With a real person behind the puppet afraid to share his heart. Vulnerable but loving. Gotta be cool and masculine but the puppets act out when the human is unable. Hi lily hi lily. Hi low. A song of love is a sad song. Cho Cho San is a writer in phoenix. 3 12 2021.

[@nnneptune]

very very cool

[@jamesbd45]

Andy kaufman was a method actor as well. That's why people thought his emotions were real on the set. The closest to real as you can get.

[@pinacoco6202]

I want to come into this video....love him♥

[@SenorZorrozzz]

Love Andy...Howdy forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jmom6614]

Don Diego Vega

[@aburrage7697]

He is happy

[@marlemus]

@joni106 yeah what's wrong with this one? i can't hear a thing after initially playing it and its perpetually buffering after.

[@james_reyes5332]

RIP Andy Kaufman

[@charlesdavis7087]

Andy gets creep on everything he touches. He really was from another world.

[@TS-qq7vr]

Everybody who likes this doesn't get that that is the actual to him, getting people to watch and clap for any shit he throws at them.

[@_maryade]

I am reading the book and I am a middle of it. Really interesting book..

[@JewandGreek]

I keep waiting for the gag. Where's the gag? There's no gag!

[@phillyflash43]

And now, like Howdy was, Andy is in a box himself, maybe not folded like Howdy but in a box nonetheless...

[@Zoibek]

oh the box called life?

[@WhipMemes]

+Zolbek Sadly, no. Andy passed away.

[@michaelcuadra1365]

De este personaje nació Woody y el animador se llama Andy

[@MissMopPop]

awwweeeen:)