Comedian Perry Kurtz, known from ‘AGT’, dies at 73 following a suspected hit-and-run
Perry Kurtz, a comedian from Los Angeles who tried out for “America’s Got Talent” in 2013, has passed away at the age of 73.
As per the records from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, Kurtz died on Thursday. Local news channels, such as Fox 11 and KTLA, disclosed that an 18-year-old suspect was detained on allegations of a felony hit-and-run that resulted in Kurtz’s death in Tarzana, a region in LA’s San Fernando Valley.
Authorities from the Los Angeles Police Department reported that the incident happened after 11 p.m. on Thursday when Kurtz was crossing the road. He was declared dead at the scene.
YSL News has contacted both the LAPD and representatives of “AGT.” TMZ was the first outlet to break the news.
Kurtz auditioned for “AGT” dressed in a sparkling jacket, presenting himself to judges Howard Stern, Heidi Klum, and Mel B in an episode from Season 8, Episode 6, where he quickly received three negative votes.
“I’m 62 years old, and I’m an ex male stripper,” he stated to the judges before starting a rap about various celebrities.
Throughout his nearly fifty-year-long career, Kurtz made numerous television appearances including shows like “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and “The Late Late Show with James Corden,” according to IMDB. He also showcased his talent at several famous comedy venues in LA, such as the Comedy Store and Hollywood Improv.
In the weeks leading up to his death, Kurtz was active on social media, sharing clips of his performances at local bars on YouTube. He referred to his acts as “comedy and music for all ages.” On his social media profiles, he identified himself as a “humor educator,” comedian, freestyle rapper, and improvisational vocalist.