TARZANA, CALIFORNIA – A hit-and-run driver struck and killed stand-up comedian Perry Kurtz on Ventura Boulevard Thursday night, and police have arrested an 18-year-old driver in connection with his death.
Kurtz, a 73-year-old comedian who has appeared on “The Late Late Show with James Corden” and “America’s Got Talent,” had just finished performing at a nearby restaurant when he was struck while crossing the street in front of a crosswalk at 9563 Ventura Boulevard in Tarzana, according to police and witnesses. The crash occurred around 11:20 p.m. near the intersection at Corbin Avenue.
Kurtz died at the scene of the accident.
Witnesses told police that the hit-and-run suspect was driving a dark sedan.
“A gray Honda Civic was traveling eastbound on Ventura Boulevard when it struck a pedestrian crossing Ventura Boulevard east of Corbin Avenue,” Los Angeles police said in a written statement. “The pedestrian was ejected eastbound before colliding with the roadway. The Honda continued eastbound without stopping, identifying itself, or rendering aid, as required by law.”
“Further investigation resulted in … detectives and West Valley Patrol officers locating the fleeing driver at his residence,” the LAPD statement said. “He was detained pending further investigation. The fleeing vehicle was found abandoned not far from the accident scene.”
A few hours after the fatal accident, police arrested 18-year-old Nathon Jaimes of Reseda at his home on suspicion of hit-and-run causing death.
In addition to appearing on “The Late Late Show with James Corden” and “America’s Got Talent,” Kurtz reached a wide audience on television shows such as “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno” and as a contestant on “Extreme Gong,” according to his IMDB profile.
In season 8 of “America’s Got Talent,” he rapped about the judges and promptly received three “no’s,” TMZ reported.
On the “Late Late Show with James Corden” he played a tongue-in-cheek rendition of “Louie, Louie” on the keytar.
Kurtz was known for spicing up his performances with improvisation, singing and dancing.
Kurtz began his career in the 1970s and was a regular headliner at Dangerfield’s – named after comedy star Rodney Dangerfield – in the 1980s, TMZ reported. He also played at the Comedy Store, Jon Lovitz Comedy Club, Hollywood Pantages Theater and other venues and had a close relationship with Robin Williams, opening for him.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Valley Traffic Division at 818-644-8020 or 877-LAPD-247. Tipsters can also call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS or visit www.lacrimestoppers.org.
City News Service contributed to this report.
