Kevin Short, a fixture on L.A.’s Sunset Strip known as “WeHo Jesus,” has died at age 57.
The sometime actor and full-time eccentric also known as Kevin Lee Light died Dec. 13, a family member told local news outlet WeHoVille.
Short became such a popular figure for L.A. tourists and residents that he was featured in music videos for Lana del Rey and LMFAO and also inspired the Aerosmith song “Street Jesus,” according to a profile last year in the U.K.’s Independent.
His neighbor Brian Hamilton also confirmed the news of his death, “after a brief illness,” on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/brian.hamilton/posts/10156131366132754
In a 2012 story, Los Angeles magazine noted, “Thanks to smart phones and the miracle of social media, the sunglasses-sporting impersonator (real name: Kevin Lee Light) has gone from being just another West Hollywood oddball to human meme, with hundreds of pictures posted online as well as a devoted flock of Twitter followers via the @IsawJesusinLA feed.”
Naturally, tributes quickly poured in on social media.
RIP #WeHoJesus @kevinleelight who brought so many smiles to peoples faces. Many a night driving home from gigs I would see him walking around. People loved him. You will be missed. pic.twitter.com/zH48JFItUg
— Dane Cook (@DaneCook) 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
I have just learned that Kevin Lee Light, aka WeHo Jesus, passed away after a brief illness.
He was a sweet and colorful LA icon. ?️??
Rest In Peace my friend. pic.twitter.com/hUj45QBGBe— JB Design Studio (@jb_designstudio) January 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/richyrich909/status/948776505638662145
So sad to hear about Kevin. I’d see him out walking and say hello. He would pet Frankie. Frankie often rolled on her back and he would pet each paw gently. Sweet man. Sad to hear this news. https://t.co/1whJbVLyya
— Laura Vandervoort (@Vandiekins22) January 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/AdrienneLaw/status/948800251699249152
So very saddened to hear of the passing of West Hollywood Jesus! An icon! May you rest with the real Jesus! And 2018 better not take from us the Rosas lady!!!! #KevinLeeLight #WeHoJesus #KevinShort pic.twitter.com/a4V5nOdzkY
— Perez (@ThePerezHilton) January 4, 2018
#WeHoJesus was the only religious figure my son has ever known. And this one supported gay marriage, so I think he came out ahead. RIP. pic.twitter.com/ieSjRvk0Kt
— Gennefer Gross (@Gennefer) January 4, 2018
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
Kevin Short, Who as WeHo Jesus Was One of West Hollywood's Most Iconic and Eccentric Figures, Is Dead https://t.co/Y4KCo8Uwsh
— Christopher Rice/ C. Travis Rice (@chrisricewriter) January 4, 2018