Perry Kurtz, a well-known comedian and former contestant on “America’s Got Talent,” was killed in a hit-and-run on Ventura Boulevard in Los Angeles, California, on August 15, 2024. Kurtz, 73, was crossing the street near the Tarzana neighborhood when he was struck by a gray Honda Civic at approximately 11:20 p.m., according to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
The driver, later identified as 18-year-old Nathon Jaimes of Reseda, fled the scene without stopping to render aid. LAPD officers located the abandoned vehicle about half a mile from the crash site and arrested Jaimes at his residence the following morning. He was booked on suspicion of felony hit-and-run causing death and released on a $30,000 bond. Jaimes is expected to appear in court on September 13, 2024.
Kurtz, originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was a fixture in the Los Angeles comedy scene. His career spanned over five decades, with appearances on shows like “The Late Late Show” with James Corden and “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno. In 2013, he auditioned for season 8 of “America’s Got Talent,” performing a comedic rap about the show’s judges.
Dante Rusciolelli, who had been Kurtz’s agent for many years and was also a close friend, shared his sadness, saying that Kurtz had been more than just a client as their friendship went back to 1987. Rusciolelli highlighted Kurtz’s long-standing presence in the Los Angeles comedy scene and noted that he will be deeply missed, offering thoughts and prayers to his family.
On the night of the accident, Kurtz had performed at a local Los Angeles bar and posted a video of his set just hours before his death. He was known for his quirky humor and dedication to making people laugh, even in the smallest venues.
After hearing the news of Kurtz’s death, fans and fellow comedians turned to social media to honor him. His daughter set up a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral costs, sharing that her father had dedicated his life to making people smile and would want to be remembered that way. The fundraiser has since collected over $9,000.
The LAPD’s Valley Traffic Division is continuing to investigate the circumstances of the collision. Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact them.
