On August 15, 2024, the comedy community mourned the loss of Perry Kurtz, a famed comedian and one-time contestant on “America’s Got Talent.” The 73-year-old was the victim of a hit-and-run incident on Ventura Boulevard in Los Angeles, California. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) reports that Kurtz was crossing the street in the vicinity of the Tarzana neighborhood when a gray Honda Civic hit him around 11:20 p.m.
The driver, identified as 18-year-old Nathon Jaimes from Reseda, fled the scene without providing any assistance. LAPD officers found his abandoned vehicle about half a mile from the collision site and took Jaimes into custody from his home the next morning. Police booked Jaimes on suspicion of felony hit-and-run resulting in death and released him on a $30,000 bond. He is slated to appear in court on September 13, 2024.
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Kurtz was a staple in the comedy venues of Los Angeles. His career, spanning over five decades, included appearances on popular shows like “The Late Late Show” with James Corden and “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno. In 2013, he auditioned for the eighth season of “America’s Got Talent,” performing a comedic rap about the show’s judges.
Dante Rusciolelli, Kurtz’s long-time agent and close friend, expressed his grief, stating that his relationship with Kurtz was more than professional, their friendship dating back to 1987. Rusciolelli acknowledged Kurtz’s significant contribution to the Los Angeles comedy scene and sent prayers and condolences to his family.
On the night of the tragic incident, Kurtz had performed at a local Los Angeles bar, sharing a video of his routine just hours before he died. He was renowned for his unique sense of humor and his commitment to making people laugh, regardless of the size of the venue.
Upon learning of Kurtz’s untimely demise, fans and fellow comedians paid their respects on social media. His daughter created a GoFundMe page to aid with funeral expenses, noting that her father had devoted his life to spreading joy and would want to be remembered in that light. The fundraising effort has since raised over $10,000.
The Valley Traffic Division of the LAPD continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident. They have called for any individuals with pertinent information to come forward.