The world of comedy is mourning one of its brightest stars.
Source: Momodu Mansaray / Getty
According to The Hollywood Reporter , Jak Knight , the star and co-creator of Peacock’s hit comedy series Bust Down , passed away at 28.
Jak Knight, Stand-up Comedian, Writer and Actor, Dies at 28 https://t.co/TTJ48TXS9u
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) July 15, 2022
The star’s family confirmed that he died Thursday night in Los Angeles. There are no public details yet about what cut his young life shockingly short.
“Knight’s loved ones ask that their privacy please be respected during this extremely difficult time,” said a representative from his agency.
RIP Jak Knight. He was so funny and will be greatly missed pic.twitter.com/ZbMb34K04i
— Funny or Die (@funnyordie) July 16, 2022
Star On The Rise
Knight was best known for starring beside fellow writers and co-creators of Bust Down, Chris Redd , Langston Kerman, and Sam Jay . The series follows a group of friends and co-workers at dead-end jobs in a Gary, Indiana casino. He played a stockroom worker also named “Jak.”
Man. Devastating news about the passing of Jak Knight. Just awful. Amazing talent.
— Kevín (@KevOnStage) July 16, 2022
From the first episode, which Knight wrote and executive produced, fans fell in love with his scene-stealing shenanigans. The keep-it-real and raunchy series showcased his impeccable timing, brilliant writing, and slapstick physical comedy.
The Seattle native most recently appeared in Chelsea Peretti’s upcoming first feature film as a director, First Time Female Director .
RIP Jak Knight pic.twitter.com/pDxGEbmvq1
— adult swim (@adultswim) July 16, 2022
Before Bust Down
What do Black-ish , Big Mouth and Pause With Sam Jay have in common? Jak Knight’s incomparable talent and comedic genius. In 2015, a smoking session with the Lucas Brothers turned into his big break into Hollywood. They hired him as a writer on their Adult Swim show Lucas Bros. Moving Company.
This Jak Knight news really messed me up. My man was a generational talent. But more than anything, he was just a really good person. And he deserved better than this. https://t.co/bESxBwvwQ8
— Dylan Park (@dyllyp) July 16, 2022
Knight joined Big Mouth as both the voice of DeVon and a writer in 2017. In a 2018 interview, Knight talked to Respect about working and writing alongside dozens of the biggest names in comedy on the Netflix animated series.
“Being a writer is amazing and just being in the room with some of the most brilliant people alive, and I get to sit across the table with people like Jordan Peele and Maya Rudolph ,” he shared. “It’s surreal but it’s a lot of work, work.”
This life don’t make sense.
An incomparable comic of our generation, the way he so artfully & vividly recreated our experiences🥹
You know how many times I’ve quoted/come back to the “looove God” segment since seeing it for the first time?!
Jak Knight, 28.
Rest in Peace boyy❤️ pic.twitter.com/wmmTDOcihu
— D.W. (@\_Darkwilde) July 16, 2022
He went on to work on Black-ish as a writer and executive story editor in 2019. Last year, he wrote for all ten episodes of Bill Burr’s dark comedy anthology, Immoral Compass. Knight flexed his dynamic comedy skills on both sides of the camera on HBO’s Pause With Sam Jay as an actor, writer, and co-executive producer.
Stand-Up Legend In The Making
Comedy Central named Knight a Face To Watch in 2014. The following year he was named a New Face at the Montreal Just for Laughs Festival.
Jak Knight was a hysterical and honest comedian. We will miss him tremendously. pic.twitter.com/F1dQEjT5GV
— comedycentral (@ComedyCentral) July 15, 2022
He toured the world, opening for comedians like Dave Chappelle , Joel McHale , Eric Andre , and Aziz Ansari . In 2018, his half-hour comedy special appeared on Netflix’s The Comedy Lineup.
Jak Remembered
Although Knight is gone far too soon, the rising star has already made his mark on comedy. In addition to those who loved Knight’s string of hilarious hit shows, some of Jak’s biggest fans were his peers. Several commented on his unique talent and incredible sense of humor, calling him this generation’s Martin Lawrence or Dave Chappelle.
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
“We are devastated by the passing of Jak Knight,” said a statement from Knight’s Bust Down family, Peacock, and Universal Television. “He was a brilliant comedian, visionary and artist and we were all lucky to experience his greatness. Our hearts are with Jak’s family, friends and community during this heartbreaking time.”
Check out the outpouring of love, fond memories and clips of Jak Knight’s brilliant comedy below.
jak knight. pic.twitter.com/Yd4K8C0Uae
— loren (@insidesglow) July 16, 2022
one of my favorite Jak Knight jokes
RIP to a future legend 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/GDPQTkdkc5
— Malibussy (@MalibuJones\_) 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 has so many outrageously funny bits, but personally this one was always one of my favorites. One that I often quoted the most. Rest In Peace Jak pic.twitter.com/5nNSDW01x9
— Chris Mejia aka Bach Cinematic Universe is Back (@tophermejia) 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
whenever anyone would ask me who i thought was up next, who was the next chappelle-level talent, i always said jak knight
— ashley ray (@theeashleyray) July 16, 2022
there are just so few comedians who don’t wanna hate other people, who just wanna understand other ppl and jak knight was one of them
— ashley ray (@theeashleyray) July 16, 2022
In light of the news, I wanna share one of the funniest clips from Jak Knight and @zackfox ’s podcast. RIP Jak Knight pic.twitter.com/dtSnA2dftZ
— Ross (@lmaooross) July 16, 2022
RIP Jak Knight 🕊
pic.twitter.com/M8AvHFzDE8
— KEVIN SPARKZ (@kevinsparkz) July 16, 2022
Our condolences go out to Jak Knight’s family and loved ones.
