Embed from Getty Images
The family of Jak Knight, a stand-up comedian who was featured on shows including “Big Mouth” on Netflix and “Bust Down” on Peacock, revealed his death .
An agency rep confirmed Knight’s death to The Hollywood Reporter on Thursday; the publication did not specify the cause of death.
After the comedian’s death, his family released a statement asking for privacy during this trying time.
In March, the Los Angeles-based writer, comedian, and actor launched his co-created, executive-produced, and appeared in series “Bust Down” on the NBC streaming service. A group of pals who all work for minimum wage in a casino were the focus of a six-part series that also featured Chris Redd and Sam Jay.
“We are devastated by the passing of Jak Knight. He was a brilliant comedian, visionary and artist and we were all lucky to experience his greatness,” read a statement from Peacock released on Saturday. “Our hearts are with Jak’s family, friends and community during this heartbreaking time.”
Knight has been the voice of DeVon on “Big Mouth,” a Netflix animated sitcom about the ups and downs of adolescence, since 2017.
His efforts on the show as both a narrative editor and a writer earned him accolades from him in an interview with Respect published in 2018.
Around the time he turned 20, Knight began his career as an assistant director on the two-season sitcom “Lucas Bros. Moving Co.” created by the comedy writing duo The Lucas Brothers.
When asked what got him started in the business, he said, “The Boondocks” and comic Dave Chappelle were “100% of the reasons why I do what I do.”
Knight was nominated for a Writers Guild of America award this year for his work on both the ABC comedy “Black-ish” and the HBO talk show “Pause With Sam Jay.” He has performed extensively as a stand-up comedian, and in 2018, his own Netflix special of his material was released as part of Netflix’s “The Comedy Lineup” series.
Knight’s death was disclosed shortly after he finished filming his first film, “First Time Female Director,” with director Chelsea Peretti.
Kumail Nanjiani, who worked with Knight, hailed him as a “hilarious comedian and nice guy,” while “The Boys” star Jack Quaid called him “amazing” and “one of the greats” after hearing of his passing and taking to social media to pay tribute.
Below is a collection of other comments honoring Knight:
What’s Your Take?
Like, Share, Comment, Tweet it Out!
“It’s Your World, You Decide!”