Current:Home > Markets'AGT' comedian Perry Kurtz dead at 73 after alleged hit-and-run -RiskWatch
'AGT' comedian Perry Kurtz dead at 73 after alleged hit-and-run
View
Date:2025-04-18 04:58:59
Los Angeles comedian Perry Kurtz, who appeared in the auditions for "America's Got Talent" in 2013, has died. He was 73.
According to Los Angeles County Medical Examiner records, Kurtz died Thursday. Local news outlets, including Fox 11 and KTLA, reported an 18-year-old suspect was arrested on suspicion of a felony hit-and-run that killed Kurtz in Tarzana, a neighborhood in LA's San Fernando Valley.
Los Angeles Police Department officials told the outlets that the collision occurred after 11 p.m. Thursday, while Kurtz was crossing the street. The comedian was pronounced dead at the scene.
USA TODAY has reached out to the LAPD and "AGT" reps. TMZ was first to report the news.
Kurtz donned a bedazzled jacket and went before "AGT" judges Howard Stern, Heidi Klum and Mel B in a Season 8, Episode 6, audition that almost immediately received three "no" votes.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
"I'm 62 years old, and I'm an ex male stripper," he told the judges before launching into a rap about the celebrities.
In his nearly five-decade career, Kurtz made several TV appearances, including on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and "The Late Late Show with James Corden," according to IMDB. He also performed at many of LA's notable comedy venues, including the Comedy Store and Hollywood Improv.
Kurtz was active on social media in the weeks leading up to his death, posting snippets of his singing at LA-area bars on YouTube. He branded his performances as "comedy and music for all ages." On his social media accounts, he described himself as a "humor educator," comedian, freestyle rapper and improvisational vocalist.
Contributing: Jay Stahl
veryGood! (793)
Related
- Behind on your annual reading goal? Books under 200 pages to read before 2024 ends
- Trump Media asks lawmakers to investigate possible unlawful trading activity in its DJT stock
- Indulge in Chrissy Teigen's Sweet Review of Meghan Markle's Jam From American Riviera Orchard
- NFL draft best available players: Ranking top 125 entering Round 1
- A White House order claims to end 'censorship.' What does that mean?
- Trump will be in NY for the hush money trial while the Supreme Court hears his immunity case in DC
- Jennifer Love Hewitt Shares What’s “Strange” About Being a Mom
- Jon Bon Jovi talks 'mental anguish' of vocal cord issues, 'big brother' Bruce Springsteen
- Retirement planning: 3 crucial moves everyone should make before 2025
- Southwest Airlines flight attendants ratify a contract that will raise pay about 33% over 4 years
Ranking
- Pregnant Kylie Kelce Shares Hilarious Question Her Daughter Asked Jason Kelce Amid Rising Fame
- U.S. labor secretary says UAW win at Tennessee Volkswagen plant shows southern workers back unions
- FTC sends $5.6 million in refunds to Ring customers as part of video privacy settlement
- Florida man charged with murdering girlfriend’s 13-year-old daughter
- Hackers hit Rhode Island benefits system in major cyberattack. Personal data could be released soon
- Relatives of those who died waiting for livers at now halted Houston transplant program seek answers
- After 7 years, Japan zoo discovers their male resident hippo is actually a female
- Oklahoma prosecutors charge fifth member of anti-government group in Kansas women’s killings
Recommendation
Civic engagement nonprofits say democracy needs support in between big elections. Do funders agree?
Los Angeles marches mark Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day
2024 NFL Draft rumors: Jayden Daniels' 'dream world' team, New York eyeing trade for QB
Biden meets 4-year-old Abigail Edan, an American who was held hostage by Hamas
Spooky or not? Some Choa Chu Kang residents say community garden resembles cemetery
More cows are being tested and tracked for bird flu. Here’s what that means
Trump will be in NY for the hush money trial while the Supreme Court hears his immunity case in DC
’Don’t come out!' Viral video captures alligator paying visit to Florida neighborhood