What unusual onstage stunts did Andy Kaufman perform in New York comedy clubs?

Andy Kaufman’s performances in New York comedy clubs were characterized by experimental, Dadaist routines that blurred the lines between stand-up comedy and performance art. Rather than telling traditional jokes, Kaufman often engaged in bizarre or confrontational stunts designed to challenge his audience's patience.12

Notable onstage acts included:

• Literary Readings: He would read sections of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby aloud to the audience.12
• Repetitive Songs: He famously sang the folk song "99 Bottles of Beer" in its entirety.1
• Domestic Tasks: He would perform mundane chores, such as doing his laundry, while onstage.2
• Character Work: As "Foreign Man," an awkward immigrant character, he would perform poorly executed celebrity impersonations or lip-sync to the Mighty Mouse theme song before transitioning into an impeccable Elvis Presley impression.1
• Tony Clifton: He created a hostile, foul-mouthed lounge singer persona named Tony Clifton, often using a fat suit and makeup to insist that he and the character were entirely separate individuals.1