Perry Kurtz, known for his appearance on 'America's Got Talent', dies in hit-and-run accident at 73

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Comedian Perry Kurtz, 73, known for his appearances on 'America's Got Talent' and 'The Tonight Show' with Jay Leno, has tragically died after being struck by a car in a hit-and-run accident.

The incident occurred on Thursday evening, August 15, in Tarzana, a neighborhood in Los Angeles, while Kurtz was traveling between gigs.

Perry Kurtz's career spanned decades with performances across major comedy clubs

Perry Kurtz's death was reported following a collision around a11.20 pm on Thursday, April 15. The Los Angeles Fire Department pronounced him dead at the scene "when a gray Honda Civic struck and killed him," according to TMZ.

Perry Kurtz began his comedy career in the early 1970s, performing in gigs nationwide and headlining some of the most prominent comedy clubs in Los Angeles and New York City.

His career highlights included appearances on 'America's Got Talent' in 2006 and 'The Late Late Show with James Corden' in 2018.

In his 'America's Got Talent' performance, Kurtz rapped about the judges but received three Nos. On 'The Late Late Show,' he shocked the audience by playing an instrument with his tongue.

Despite his long career, Kurtz was still looking forward to the future, even planning to audition for 'America's Got Talent' again in the days leading up to his death, as per Daily Mail. 

Perry Kurtz: Fatal hit-and-run leads to the arrest of an 18-year-old suspect 

The Los Angeles Police Department stated that Perry Kurtz was crossing the street at Ventura Boulevard and Melvin Avenue when an 18-year-old driver, identified as Naithon James, struck him with a gray Honda Civic.

The car hit Kurtz, causing fatal injuries, and then fled the scene. Kurtz was identified as the victim on Friday morning.

Later, a witness contacted authorities after noticing a vehicle with a broken windshield "oddly parked," which matched the description of the car involved in the hit-and-run.

This information led to James's arrest on suspicion of felony hit-and-run causing death.

Perry Kurtz performed his final show hours before his tragic death

In his final days, Perry Kurtz was still actively performing. His last show took place in Los Angeles earlier this week, with a video of his performance posted Facebook on Thursday, just hours before his death.

Kurtz had a long-standing relationship with fellow comedian Robin Williams, for whom he opened before Williams's death in 2014.

Perry Kurtz's agent, Dante Rusciolelli, paid tribute to him in a statement to the New York Post.

"Golden Artists Entertainment and myself are personally devastated by this news. Perry was not only a client; he's been my friend since 1987," Rusciolelli said.

"He has been a staple in the Los Angeles comedy community for decades and will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with his family," he added.