The comedy world is mourning the loss of a rising star with the news that comedian Jak Knight died on Thursday, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The LA-based actor and writer starred in Peacock’s comedy, Bust Down, and had worked on Netflix’s Big Mouth and ABC’s blackish. Knight was 28 years old.
Universal Television and Peacock released a joint statement as news of his passing spread.
“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. Our hearts are with Jak’s family, friends and community during this heartbreaking time.” via The Hollywood Reporter.
The Seattle-born Knight got his start writing for Kenneth and Keith Lucas’ animated Lucas Bros. Moving Co. at the age of 20, via The Hollywood Reporter. Knight detailed in 2018 Respect interview how his name somehow reached the identical twins, and they invited him over to hang out. The duo welcomed him to write for the project after hearing Knight’s theory that a third twin from the sitcom Sister, Sister went dark after being excluded from the show.
His career as a writer continued with Big Mouth, where he also got the chance to voice the character, DeVon. In the same interview, he spoke about how “surreal” the opportunity was for him to work with the likes of Jordan Peele (Nope, Key & Peele) and Maya Rudolph (Loot, Bridemaids).
“Being a writer is amazing and just being in the room with some of the most brilliant people alive,…It’s surreal but it’s a lot of work, work,” Knight said. Soon he found himself touring with the same people he credited for inspiring his career, including opening up for Dave Chappelle.
“One hundred percent the reasons why I do what I do,” Knight told Respect.
Knight’s star was only getting brighter when Peacock debuted Bust Down in March, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The series found Knight starring with fellow show creators Sam Jay (Flatbush Misdemeanors, Saturday Night Live), Langston Kerman (Insecure, South Side), and Chris Redd (Kenan, Saturday Night Live) as four down-on-their-luck friends working at a Gary, Indiana casino. Knight also partnered with Sam Jay on her HBO series, Pause With Sam Jay, which recently premiered its second season.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, no cause of death has been released as the family has requested privacy at this time.