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Jak Knight, a The stand-up comedian, best known for his work on Netflix’s ‘Big Mouth’ and Peacock’s ‘Bust Down,’ has died at the age of 28, his family said.
Knight died Thursday in Los Angeles, a representative for the agency confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter, who did not provide further details about his death.
“Knight’s loved ones ask that their privacy be respected at this extremely difficult time,” the comedian’s family said in a statement through a representative.
The Los Angeles-based author, comedian and actor released Bust Down in March on the NBC streaming service, which he co-created, executive produced and starred in. The six-episode series, which also stars Chris Redd and Sam Jay, followed a group of friends who worked low-wage jobs at a casino.
“We are devastated by the death of Jak Knight. He was a brilliant comedian, visionary and artist and we were all fortunate enough to witness his greatness,” read one statement of peacock published on Saturday. “Our hearts go out to Jak’s family, friends and community at this heartbreaking time.”
Since 2017, Knight has voiced the character DeVon for five seasons on Netflix’s hit animated series, Big Mouth, about the ups and downs of puberty.
In addition to working as a story editor, he also wrote several episodes of the show, which he commended in a 2018 Respect interview for introducing it to “the most brilliant people” like Jordan Peele and Maya Rudolph.
In the same interview, Knight said he began his career around the age of 20, working for the twin brothers, comedians and writers known as The Lucas Brothers on their series Lucas Bros. Moving Co., which ran for two seasons ran.
He credited groundbreaking series The Boondocks and comedian Dave Chappelle as “100% of the reasons I do what I do” when asked what inspired his start in the industry.
Knight also wrote the ABC comedy Black-ish and the HBO talk show Pause With Sam Jay, which earned him a nomination for this year’s Writers Guild of America award. He worked extensively as a stand-up comedian with his own Netflix special, which aired in 2018 as part of the streaming service’s series The Comedy Lineup.
Knight’s death was announced shortly after he wrapped production on First Time Female Director, an upcoming feature film directed by Chelsea Peretti, which was his first film credit.
Comedians and actors took to social media to honor Knight after learning of his death Kumail Nanjiani describes him as “hilarious comedian and great guy” while “The Boys” stars Jack Quaid remembered him as “incredible” and “one of the greats”.
Read more tributes to Knight below.
