‘AGT’ comedian Perry Kurtz dead at 73 after alleged hit-and-run

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.
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“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