Comedian Perry Kurtz is dead. Kurtz died at 73 following a hit-and-run in Tarzana, California, on Aug. 15, 2024. The deceased was crossing the street on Ventura Boulevard, San Fernando Valley when a vehicle struck him. The Los Angeles Police Department described the vehicle that hit Kurtz as a gray Honda Civic. After striking Kurtz, the vehicle’s driver continued without stopping.
Who Is Perry Kurtz?
Kurtz is a comedian famous for appearing on the eighth season of America’s Got Talent. During his audition, he tried to impress the judges, Heidi Klum, Howard Stern, and Mel B, by rapping about them. However, his efforts didn’t yield the desired results, as he was voted off. Besides AGT, Kurtz also appeared on The Late Late Show with James Corden and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
Kurtz began his career as an improv performer. He performed with the late Robin Williams in San Francisco before moving to Los Angeles. He also performed regularly at Hollywood’s Comedy Store. Kurtz was active on YouTube and had a channel with almost 2000 subscribers. Five days before his death, he posted a three-minute video showing him singing “I’ll Always Remember Us This Way.”
Details of Perry Kurtz’s Death
The LAPD revealed in their press release that the accident occurred at about 11.20 p.m. After the gray Honda Civic struck Kurtz, he was thrown in an easterly direction before colliding with the roadway. However, the vehicle driver didn’t stop to identify the victim or render help as the law stipulates. Paramedics from the Los Angeles Fire Department arrived at the scene. However, they pronounced Kurtz dead at the scene.
Meanwhile, VTD detectives and West Valley Patrol Officers continued their manhunt for the hit-and-run driver. They eventually located him at his residence and detained him pending further investigation. Also, the hit-and-run vehicle was abandoned a short distance away from the collision scene. Authorities identified the driver as Nathan James, an 18-year-old resident of Reseda. Police arrested him and booked him at Van Nuys jail. James was charged with felony hit and run, causing death.
Perry Kurtz’s Longtime Friend Reacts to His Death
Dante Rusciolelli, a longtime friend and manager of the late Kurtz, wrote a statement to People following his passing. He expressed his and Golden Artists Entertainment’s devastation at Kurtz’s death. Rusciolelli revealed that he and Kurtz had been friends since 1987. He concluded, “He has been a staple in the Los Angeles comedy community for decades and will be missed. Our prayers are with his family.”
Kurtz’s death is an incredibly sad occurrence that highlights the dangers of reckless driving. Every road user must abide by the law and drive or walk carefully. Hopefully, the late Kurtz’s family will overcome this sad development and forge ahead in strength and unity.
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