On this day July 29 1982, professional wrestler Jerry Lawler shocked audiences when he slapped comedian Andy Kaufman in the face during a live taping of Late Night with David Letterman. The unexpected confrontation left both the studio and home audiences stunned as Kaufman threw coffee and stormed off the set in a chaotic and unforgettable moment.
The incident blurred the line between reality and performance, fueling speculation about whether the feud was genuine or a carefully staged act. The altercation gained national media attention and has since become one of the most infamous moments in television history. It symbolized Kaufman’s commitment to performance art and Lawler’s role in bringing professional wrestling theatrics to mainstream viewers.
80s insight: By 1982 late night television had become a cultural stage and moments like this demonstrated how entertainment was starting to push the boundaries between reality and performance.
The incident blurred the line between reality and performance, fueling speculation about whether the feud was genuine or a carefully staged act. The altercation gained national media attention and has since become one of the most infamous moments in television history. It symbolized Kaufman’s commitment to performance art and Lawler’s role in bringing professional wrestling theatrics to mainstream viewers.
80s insight: By 1982 late night television had become a cultural stage and moments like this demonstrated how entertainment was starting to push the boundaries between reality and performance.
