Lloyd Kaufman is best known as the co-founder of Troma Entertainment and director of cult classic exploitation films like The Toxic Avenger and Tromeo and Juliet. His unique style and dedication to independent filmmaking have earned him a loyal following of fans around the world.
Born on December 30, 1945 in New York City, NY, Lloyd Kaufman showed an early interest in the arts. He attended Yale University, where he majored in Chinese Studies. It was during his time at Yale that he met future U.S. President George W. Bush, who would later become a close friend and supporter of Kaufman's work.
After graduating from Yale, Kaufman decided to pursue a career in filmmaking. He co-founded Troma Entertainment in 1974, along with his business partner Michael Herz. The company quickly gained a reputation for producing low-budget, edgy films that pushed the boundaries of traditional storytelling.
One of Kaufman's most successful projects was The Toxic Avenger, a superhero film released in 1984. The movie became a cult classic and spawned several sequels, earning Kaufman a reputation as a visionary director in the world of independent cinema.
In 1996, Kaufman directed Tromeo and Juliet, a modern retelling of Shakespeare's classic play set in the world of underground punk rock. The film received critical acclaim for its bold and innovative approach to storytelling, further solidifying Kaufman's reputation as a boundary-pushing filmmaker.
Kaufman comes from a family with a legal background - his father, Stanley, was a lawyer. Despite his upbringing in a more conventional career path, Kaufman's passion for filmmaking has always been a driving force in his life.
In addition to his work as a director, Kaufman has also been involved in various other projects within the film industry. He has written and produced thrillers like Sugar Cookies, collaborating with a young Oliver Stone on the project.
Overall, Lloyd Kaufman's impact on cinema cannot be overstated. His dedication to independent filmmaking and willingness to push boundaries have inspired a new generation of filmmakers to think outside the box and create without constraints. His influence will continue to be felt for years to come.