Hollywood Insiders Mourn Passing of Jak Knight at 28: “A Painful Loss to Comedy”
Jak Knight’s death sent shockwaves through Hollywood on Friday as word spread of his untimely passing at age 28.
Originally from Seattle and based in L.A., Knight was a regular on the stand-up stage and collected many admirers, friends and fans during a brief but bright career that included writing and voicing a character on Big Mouth, co-creating and starring in Peacock’s just-released Bust Down opposite close friends like Chris Redd and Sam Jay, and opening for stand-up legends like Dave Chappelle.
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Below is a roundup of tributes and responses making the rounds on social media.
Rest In Peace Jak Knight. Hilarious comedian and a great guy. I can’t believe it.
— Kumail Nanjiani (@kumailn) July 16, 2022
I’m in shock. There was no one like Jak Knight. A singular talent, actually funny and a genuinely kind person, a rare combo. I just can’t believe this at all.
— Joel Kim Booster (@ihatejoelkim) July 16, 2022
Jak Knight is such a loss. So talented never a dull moment hanging out with him. The comedy world, his friends and family lost a really good one.
— Travon Free (@Travon) July 16, 2022
It was all venom and hilarious. He was veteran comic before he turned 21. Rest in power, young icon.
— Solomon Georgio (@solomongeorgio) July 16, 2022
What the fuck. I can't believe it. I don't know what to say. Jak was a tremendous comic and human being. Absolutely devastating. https://t.co/ZeUNiFSQA3
— Adam Conover (@adamconover) July 16, 2022
Every time I was on a show with Jak Knight, it felt like he easily could have been “21 year old kid who has heat and knows it” but he always wound up being *so nice* to everyone, whatever level, and also damn funny. Thinking of his friends and the comedy community today.
— T.J. Chambers @ SDCC (@tjchambersLA) July 16, 2022
I don’t know what to say about Jak Knight that he wouldn’t make fun of me for. But you were so incredibly loved and respected. There will never be anyone quite like you 💔
— Dani Fernandez (@msdanifernandez) July 16, 2022
Jak Knight was a hysterical and honest comedian. We will miss him tremendously. pic.twitter.com/F1dQEjT5GV
— comedycentral (@ComedyCentral) July 15, 2022
I remember being on a show with Jak Knight back when I was just starting out – I was so nervous and he was so encouraging and kind. I’ve always remembered that. Thinking of his friends and family tonight.
— blaire erskine (@blaireerskine) July 16, 2022
RIP Jak Knight. One of the most talented and hilarious dudes in the game.
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) July 16, 2022
RIP to Jak Knight. We taped Netflix specials together years ago. He was an incredibly funny original voice in comedy and a great guy who will be sorely missed.
— Tim Dillon (@TimJDillon) July 16, 2022
You could tell he was special the first time you saw him. So much talent and even better person. RIP Jak Knight.
— Josh Adam Meyers (@JoshAdamMeyers) July 16, 2022
Several years ago a young Jak Knight began coming into our open mics & it was clear from the beginning he was special. Jak was a tremendous writer & performer, years ahead of his age. He had a lot more to say and we're heartbroken we won't get to hear it. We love you forever Jak. pic.twitter.com/NFnCa87eTV
— Hollywood Improv (@HollywoodImprov) July 16, 2022
Jak Knight was a very funny very nice dude. This is fucked up. Another young comic gone WAY too fucking soon.
— Brabbbssss Graayy (@BabsGray) July 16, 2022
Jak Knight was such an amazing comedian and only 28 years old. Such an honest, brilliant voice to lose.
— Dave Sirus (@DaveSirus) July 16, 2022
RIP to Jak Knight, honestly was my fav comedian these days. Unapologetically bold and hilarious❤️
— FLYLO (@flyinglotus) July 16, 2022
There are people you meet along the way and immediately you know: they have something special. One of those people was Jak Knight. Deepest condolences to his family and close friends.
— Jake Fogelnest (@jakefogelnest) July 16, 2022
Wait what- Jak Knight? No 💔 https://t.co/S76ywpu3YB
— Mary Lynn Rajskub (@MaryLynnRajskub) July 16, 2022
Crushed by the passing of Jak Knight. Watch Bust Down NOW. I was lucky enough to spend years writing with and for Jak, and we taped our Netflix sets the same night. Such a fucking funny, surprising, kind, weird, singular talent. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones.
— Max Silvestri (@maxsilvestri) July 16, 2022
Whenever I was on a lineup with Jak Knight, I knew it was going to be a wildly funny night. Always loved watching him over the last decade. He was winning big, all of it well deserved, so witty and memorable every moment onstage and off. A painful loss to comedy.
— James Adomian (@JAdomian) July 16, 2022
We were just talking last night about our @thehundreds comedy show and how everyone onstage that evening became a Legend. Jak Knight, you were the example. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/3Tp01gcwea
— bobbyhundreds.eth (@bobbyhundreds) July 16, 2022
I asked him to do this game with me. He was so excited. Came to work everyday, was hella funny and did his thing. Continued to flourish in his career. Hard man…RIP Jak Knight. @NBA2K https://t.co/rvPIC0BRJT
— guru Cov (@BearCov) July 16, 2022
Oh man, Jak Knight. Always greeted me with a big smile and a hug. What a talent, what a sweet kid (he was a teenager when I met him! With a backpack!) Damn, this hurts. Rest In Peace, Jak.
— Adrienne Airhart (@craydrienne) July 16, 2022
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