Longtime Comedian Walking Between Gigs Killed in Hit-and-Run, Teen Under Arrest
Perry Kurtz, a long-time comedian known for his performances on “America’s Got Talent” and “The Late Late Show with James Corden,” tragically passed away at the age of 73 following a hit-and-run accident in Tarzana, Los Angeles. He was struck by a vehicle while crossing Ventura Boulevard late at night and was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders. The driver of the vehicle, later identified as 18-year-old Nathon Jaimes, fled but was arrested after witnesses reported seeing the car parked nearby with damage.
Kurtz had a prolific career in comedy, performing at renowned venues in Los Angeles and New York City since the 1970s, and he was known for his collaboration with the late Robin Williams. His death has drawn tributes from friends and fans, highlighting his impact on the comedy scene and his legacy of making people laugh for over four decades.
A longtime West Coast comedian who had performed on “America’s Got Talent” and “The Late Late Show with James Corden” died Thursday in a hit-and-run accident, according to news reports.
Perry Kurtz, 73, was struck by a vehicle while crossing Ventura Boulevard around 11:20 p.m. in Los Angeles’ Tarzana neighborhood, KTLA-TV reported.
Kurtz reportedly was not in a marked crosswalk.
He performed at a restaurant near the area of the crash each Thursday, witnesses said.
He was pronounced dead at the scene by responders from the Los Angeles Fire Department, according to TMZ.
The driver of the gray Honda Civic that struck him fled the scene.
Police told KTLA that the vehicle was traced to an 18-year-old suspect, Nathon Jaimes.
KTTV-TV reported that about an hour after the crash, witnesses called police after spotting the suspect vehicle about a half-mile from the accident scene. The car was “oddly parked with a broken windshield.”
Jaimes was arrested at his home in Reseda on charges of felony hit and run causing death.
Kurtz’ comedy career was launched in the early 1970s, TMZ reported.
He performed throughout the country, “headlining some of the biggest comedy clubs in L.A. and New York City,” the entertainment news outlet reported.
His show was featured at such storied venues as the Comedy Store, the Jon Lovitz Comedy Club, Dangerfield’s and the Hollywood Pantages Theater.
“He had a close relationship with — and opened for — Robin Williams before [Williams] passed in 2014,” TMZ reported.
Local news reporter Gigi Graciette of KTTV-TV posted a link to a story about Kurtz’ death on social media platform X.
Victim of last night’s hit-and-run in Tarzana identified as veteran comedian and entertainer Perry Kurtz.
“He spent over four decades making people laugh and now he’s not here anymore” his friend told me.
Tragic. https://t.co/dTIrpTyRwT@foxla pic.twitter.com/O0aW6aknyi— Gigi Graciette (@GigiGraciette) August 16, 2024
“’He spent over four decades making people laugh and now he’s not here anymore,’ his friend told me,” Graciette commented in the post.
“Tragic.”
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