Perry Kurtz — a comedian who appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and had ties to several comedy legends — has died.
Kurtz’s daughter, Zelda Velazquez, took to Facebook to deliver the bad news … saying Perry was killed in a hit-and-run late Thursday night while traveling between gigs. We’ve reached out to Zelda for more info … so far no word back.
A fatal hit-and-run was reported in Tarzana, an L.A. neighborhood, after a collision around 11:20 PM Thursday … when a gray Honda Civic struck and killed a pedestrian. The Los Angeles Fire Department pronounced the victim dead at the scene.
Law enforcement sources have confirmed Kurtz was killed in that incident.
Cops have arrested a suspect on suspicion of felony hit-and-run causing death.
PK started his career back in the early 1970s … performing in gigs all over the country, and headlining some of the biggest comedy clubs in L.A. and New York City.
In the 1980s, he served as a consistent headliner at Dangerfield’s — named after comedy star Rodney Dangerfield. He also played the Comedy Store, the Jon Lovitz Comedy Club, the Hollywood Pantages Theater and other spots. He had a close relationship with — and opened for — Robin Williams before RW passed in 2014.
Many fans will recognize Kurtz from season 8 of “America’s Got Talent” … where he rapped about the judges — and promptly received 3 “Nos.”
Perry was 73.
RIP