Lloyd Kaufman

Date of Birth: December 30, 1945

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Biography

Lloyd Kaufman, born Stanley Lloyd Kaufman Jr., is an influential American film director, producer, screenwriter, and actor, best known for co-founding the independent film company Troma Entertainment. Born on December 30, 1945, in New York City, Kaufman is a prominent figure in the world of cult cinema, particularly known for his low-budget, high-energy exploitation films. His passion for filmmaking was ignited during his time at Yale University, where he studied Chinese Studies but became enamored with cinema after befriending future filmmaker Oliver Stone. Kaufman’s career began in the early 1970s, and he became renowned for his unique brand of horror-comedy films that often include outrageous humor, over-the-top violence, and social satire. His most famous work is the 1984 film “The Toxic Avenger,” which has since become a cult classic and a symbol of Troma’s irreverent style. Under his guidance, Troma has produced and distributed over 1,000 independent films, supporting a diverse range of filmmakers and genres.

5 Interesting Facts about Lloyd Kaufman

1. Lloyd Kaufman co-founded Troma Entertainment in 1974 with his Yale classmate Michael Herz.

2. “The Toxic Avenger” not only became a cult hit but also expanded into a franchise that includes sequels, a cartoon series, and a musical.

3. Kaufman is known for his advocacy of independent filmmaking and often speaks at film festivals and industry events about the importance of creative freedom.

4. He has made cameo appearances in various mainstream films, including “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Super.”

5. Kaufman is an author and has written several books on filmmaking, including “All I Need to Know about Filmmaking I Learned from the Toxic Avenger.”