Comedian Perry Kurtz Dies at 73 After Hit-and-Run in Los Angeles

Perry Kurtz, a veteran stand-up comedian and former “America’s Got Talent” contestant, tragically passed away on Thursday, August 15, 2024, following a hit-and-run accident in Los Angeles. He was 73 years old.​

The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Ventura Boulevard in the Tarzana neighborhood. Kurtz was crossing the street when he was struck by a gray Honda Civic, which fled the scene. Emergency responders pronounced him dead upon arrival. The suspect, 18-year-old Nathon Jaimes, was later arrested and charged with felony hit-and-run resulting in death .​EW.com+1People.com+1People.com+1EW.com+1

Kurtz’s career spanned several decades, with performances on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “The Late Late Show with James Corden,” and “America’s Got Talent.” He was also a regular at The Comedy Store in Hollywood and maintained an active presence on YouTube, sharing his comedic and musical talents up until his passing.​People.com+1EW.com+1

His manager, Dante Rusciolelli, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating, “Perry was not only a client, he’s been my friend since 1987. He has been a staple in the Los Angeles comedy community for decades and will be … .”​EW.com+1People.com+1

An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death. Kurtz’s contributions to the comedy world and his mentorship of aspiring comedians have left a lasting impact.​People.comEW.com