America’s Got Talent Contestant Perry Kurtz Dead at 73 After Crash

Former Americas’ Bought Expertise contestant and stand-up comedian Perry Kurtz has died after being concerned in a hit-and-run crash. He was 73.

Los Angeles Police Division confirmed to Us Weekly {that a} man in his 70s was crossing the road at Ventura Boulevard and Corbin Avenue in Tarzana, California, round 11:20 p.m. on Thursday, August 15, when a automotive pushed by an adolescent hit him.

When first responders arrived, the sufferer was declared lifeless on the scene.

Kurtz was recognized because the sufferer by a Los Angeles County Medical Examiner report seen by Us Weekly. His explanation for dying has but to be revealed and is deferred pending an post-mortem.

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In line with police, an 18-year-old suspect was arrested and booked on Friday, August 16, after investigators allege he struck and killed Kurtz.

Two days earlier than the accident, Kurtz was noticed at Pat’s Cocktails Lounge close to Los Angeles the place he took to the stage and took part in karaoke.

“I simply rise up,” he mentioned in a video posted by way of his Fb web page. “I’m attempting to have me some enjoyable.”

Kurtz, who’s a Philadelphia native, began his profession again within the early ‘70s when he carried out in numerous comedy gigs everywhere in the nation. Within the ‘80s, he served as a constant headliner at famed New York Metropolis venue Dangerfield’s — named after comedy star Rodney Dangerfield.

Throughout season 8 of America’s Bought Expertise, Kurtz appeared in entrance of judges Howard Stern, Mel B and Heidi Klum to ship a comedy act. He recognized himself as an “ex male stripper” earlier than performing a routine.

Kurtz in the end acquired three “nos” and didn’t advance after the 2013 auditions.

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“Howard had prewritten imply jokes, to which I heckled him again and received laughs from the gang,” Kurtz joked on his YouTube web page. “They gave me no mic stand, unusual music and shut my mic off to 2/3 of the viewers once I began to sing, THEN informed the gang to face up and boo me. Welcome to actuality TV.”

After the present, nevertheless, Kurtz had the chance to seem on The Late Late Present With James Corden the place he delivered his finest “bar expertise.” He known as late-night host James Corden “the nicest man EVER” after his 2018 look.

Up till his dying, Kurtz continued to step out and carry out at numerous comedy venues in and round Southern California. He shared many highlights of his performances on social media.