Perry Kurtz, Comedian And ‘America’s Got Talent’ Alum, Dies In Los Angeles Hit-And-Run

Comedian Perry Kurtz was killed in a tragic hit-and-run accident on Thursday. Kurtz was crossing an intersection in Tarzana, California at approximately 11:30 p.m. when a car driven by a teen struck him, the Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement. He was 73.

“The Honda continued eastbound failing to stop, identify self, or render aid as required by law,” said the Los Angeles Police Department in a statement.

The suspected driver is reported to be 18-year-old Nathon Jaimes of Reseda, who was arrested at his home and booked on suspicion of a hit-and-run causing death, a felony, according to arrest records. He was released Friday on a $30,000 bond and his next court date is September 13.

Kurtz auditioned in the eighth season of America’s Got Talent in an act where he rapped about the then judges Howard Stern, Heidi Klum and Men B, who all voted no, eliminating Perry from the competition.

He also appeared The Late Late Show with James Corden and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and made a few cameo appearances as an actor (including the drama Partners in Crime with Lynda Carter and Loni Anderson in 1984).

“Golden Artists Entertainment and myself are personally devastated by this news,” said Kurtz’s rep, Dante Rusciolelli, in a statement.

“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 greatly missed. Our prayers are with his family”.

Earlier this week, the comedian performed a show in Los Angeles.

A GoFundMe page created by Kurtz’s daughter to help his family with funeral expenses can be found here.

“My dad was a well known and beloved performer in and around Los Angeles all my life,” wrote his daughter. “He loved what he did and worked very hard at it every day. I am proud of his successes and the enjoyment he brought to his many friends and fans.”

No additional details were immediately made available at press time.