AMERICA’S Got Talent alum Perry Kurtz, 73, has died in an alleged hit-and-run incident.
The comedian’s daughter, Zelda Velazquez, shared the heartbreaking news on social media.
Comedian Perry Kurtz performing onstage during Max Events Presents Roosevelt Comedy Show in September 2021 in Los AngelesCredit: Getty
Perry Kurtz arriving at the Paparazzi Comedy at Jon Lovitz Comedy Club in November 2012 in Universal City, CaliforniaCredit: Getty
TMZ reports Perry that the incident occurred in Tarzana, a neighborhood in Los Angeles, on Thursday.
Law enforcement told the outlet that Perry was killed when he was reportedly hit by a gray Honda Civic.
Perry was pronounced dead at the scene. He was 73 years old.
Cops have arrested a suspect believed to be connected to the hit-and-run.
‘VERY SAD NEWS’
Comic Patrick Ford shared his condolences in a Facebook post after learning of his friend’s death the following morning.
“I woke up to very sad news today. My old friend Perry Kurtz was killed by a…. hit and run driver last night in Tarzana.”
He noted that Perry was leaving a gig at a restaurant and was crossing Ventura Boulevard when he was struck by the vehicle.
Patrick also highlighted Perry’s successes in the entertainment industry, including his appearance on The Late Late Show with James Corden, AGT, and other notable broadcasts.
“I was at The Comedy Store party the night Perry was named a ‘paid regular’ and got his name on the wall. He never reached the heights of fame he sought but never gave up. He was a true comedian,” Patrick concluded.
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Fans also expressed their heartbreak over Perry’s passing, with one person writing on X, “Sigh!! That’s sad. My deepest condolences to His loved ones and his friends.”
A fourth simply commented, “Rest in peace.”
Perry was well known in the comedy circuit and even formed a close relationship with the late Robin Williams, whom he opened for before the actor died in 2014.
He never reached the heights of fame he sought but never gave up. He was a true comedian.
He showed off his comedic skills once again, in a more public arena, during his Season 8 audition on AGT, rapping about the then judges Howard Stern, Heidi Klum, and Mel B.
However, his rapping skills didn’t win the panel over, and he received three “Nos.”
Perry’s IMDB lists many other accomplishments throughout the funnyman’s decades-long career, including his 2014 appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
He also starred in the 2018 TV series Wait Crimes, the Sketchers Comedy Special in 2011, and the comedy short, Smooch My Smackers in 2010.
The website lists Perry’s first role was on an episode in the 1984 TV show Partners in Crime.
Perry was born in Philadelphia and moved to Los Angeles in the late 1980s to pursue his passion for comedy.
Comedian Jay London, Ice House booker Jan Smith, and Perry Kurtz pose during their attendance at The Ice House Comedy Club in December 2012 in PasadenaCredit: Getty
