Comedian Perry Kurtz Killed in Hit-and-Run at 73

Comedian Perry Kurtz has died at the age of 73 following a hit-and-run incident in Tarzana, California.

On Thursday, August 15, 2024, Kurtz was crossing Ventura Boulevard when he was struck by a gray Honda Civic that failed to stop. The Los Angeles Police Department reported that the vehicle fled the scene.

Kurtz’s longtime friend and manager, Dante Rusciolelli, expressed his grief, stating, “Rest in peace Perry Kurtz. Golden Artists Entertainment and myself are devastated by this news. Perry was not only a client but also a friend since 1987. He has been a staple in the Los Angeles comedy community for decades and will be missed.” Rusciolelli added, “Our prayers are with his family.”

The collision occurred around 11:30 p.m., and Kurtz was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect, 18-year-old Nathon Jaimes, was later arrested at his residence and charged with felony hit-and-run resulting in death. The abandoned vehicle was found near the collision site.

Kurtz’s cause of death is pending an autopsy, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s report.

A fixture in the comedy scene, Kurtz appeared on “America’s Got Talent,” performing a rap about the show’s judges, and had guest spots on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and “The Late Late Show with James Corden.”

He began his career with improv performances in San Francisco alongside Robin Williams before becoming a regular at the Comedy Store in Hollywood.

His YouTube channel, which had nearly 2,000 followers, remained active until his death, featuring recent videos of his musical performances.

His latest clip, posted just five days before his death, showed him performing “I’ll Always Remember Us This Way” at The Barrel Tavern in Sherman Oaks, California.