Kevin Short, also known as Kevin Lee Light, and best known as one of West Hollywood’s most beloved eccentric figures WeHo Jesus, has died. He was 57.
The news was confirmed in a Facebook post by Short’s neighbor Brian Hamilton, who cited a “brief illness” as the cause of death, though this has not been confirmed. A family member told local outlet WEHOville that Short died on Dec. 13 and that his family received his ashes today.
According to WEHOville, Short had been profiled across several outlets including the Los Angeles Magazine, Huffington Post and the U.K.’s Independent newspaper. Thrillist recognized him as one of “LA’s 12 Most Loveable Local Weirdos.”
Short described himself on his Twitter account — @kevinleelight — as “la’s jesus tmz’s hollywood jesus aerosmith’s street jesus snoop’s sunset jesus weho’s rainbow jesus lmfao’s party rock jesus for barbara ann.”
The Independent’s article on Short explains that he is “such a celebrity on Sunset Boulevard that he has featured in Lana Del Rey’s music videos and rock band Aerosmith even wrote a song, ‘Street Jesus,’ about him.”
He had also appeared in public information videos produced by the City of West Hollywood, including the second episode of the city’s “The WeHoans.” He appeared in the “Nose Business Like Show Business” episode of comedian Brody Stevens’ Comedy Central TV series “Brody Stevens: Enjoy It!” alongside Zach Galifianakis.
Stevens posted a tribute to Short to his Twitter account, which reads, “Beyond generous and supportive of all the comedians. He was part of The Comedy Store & Los Angeles…I’ll miss him.”
We all loved Kevin aka Jesus. Such a great guy. Beyond generous and supportive of all the comedians. He was part of The Comedy Store & Los Angeles. He walked almost everywhere, but I always gave him a ride home. I’ll miss him. Our last photo… RiP good friend. pic.twitter.com/EdKZAcSYG4
— Steven BRODY Stevens (@BrodyismeFriend) January 4, 2018
Watch Short’s appearance in “Brody Stevens: Enjoy It!” below.
See more tributes below.
Oh my heart. RIP #WeHoJesus Kevin was my pal. A beautiful creature. (If you don’t live here and didn’t know him, you’ll never understand)
— Pauley Perrette (@PauleyP) January 4, 2018
Hollywood will never be the same without Hollywood Jesus. pic.twitter.com/CCFKno8eL5
— Brian James (@VoodooHipster) January 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/SteveDavidMikeV/status/948745800548368384
It’s really sad to hear that Hollywood Jesus has passed away. He had a positive effect on anyone who came in contact with him. Rest In Peace🙏🏻 https://t.co/NdWHKD1Hbp
— Rick Kosick (@rickkosick) January 4, 2018
Rest in paradise @kevinleelight we will all miss you #WehoJesus #HollywoodJesus you lit up everywhere you went with kindness and warmth, Los Angeles won’t be the same without you pic.twitter.com/dJGLRvMxYC
— Adrian Dev (@iamadriandev) January 4, 2018
WeHo Jesus died 💔 if you live in LA, you know #WeHoJesus. RIP pic.twitter.com/kJ8HtldfP7
— ROME (@romemcelroy) January 4, 2018
We will miss you Kevin Lee Light (Kevin Short), AKA #WeHoJesus. So sad to see you go home. A… https://t.co/A0R0ie9vYT
— City of West Hollywood (@WeHoCity) January 4, 2018
R.I.P. #wehojesus #kevinleelight..
Who always told everyone they are loved and special. Honestly a beautiful soul. You and your light will be missed. #weho #love 🙏🏼❤️ pic.twitter.com/fpoiFUQhi9— Murray Swanby (@MurraySwanby) January 4, 2018
