The man known as West Hollywood Jesus died on December 13. He was 57 years old.
WeHo Jesus’ real name was Kevin Short and he was also known as Kevin Lee Light.
It was reported today that family members confirmed Short’s passing after a brief hospitalization for pulmonary issues.
Brian Hamilton, who resides on the corner of Laurel and Fountain Avenues in West Hollywood, posted the following message on his personal Facebook page earlier this afternoon, “I have just confirmed the sad news that my friend and neighbor Kevin Short, aka WeHo Jesus or Kevin Lee Light, has died after a brief illness.”
Hamilton’s post went on to say “We’ve lived across the street from one another for over 20 years. I hadn’t seen him in a few weeks, so I tried calling him & voicemail was full. Then I sent an email. No response. Kevin’s neighbor Wes who also lives in the same building just confirmed he has died.”
The exact cause of death has not been disclosed, but according to an updated post by Hamilton, early this evening an unnamed source at Cedars Sinai stated Kevin’s body had been claimed by a family member. “I wanted to be sure he’s not unclaimed at the county morgue,” said Hamilton.
Dressed as Jesus, the iconic muslin robe-clad figure had been seen walking the streets of West Hollywood, visiting tawny shops in Beverly Hills and featured in cameo appearances on pop culture and, music videos for nearly a decade.
LMFAO – Party Rock Anthem ft. Lauren Bennett, GoonRock featuring WeHo Jesus
According to a 2016 profile of Short by the U.K.’s Independent newspaper, A day in the life of Jesus, “Photographer Roo Lewis spent eight hours following Kevin Lee Light to some of his favourite haunts.”
The profile goes on to say “One day photographer Roo Lewis was strolling around Los Angeles, shooting for a new book he is working on when he stumbled across a man dressed as Jesus.
This eccentric bloke, Kevin Lee Light, has been walking the streets and crashing parties pretending to be the Son of God for eight years.
Kevin 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. “
Was WeHo Jesus religious? Well not according to Lewis – “I told him I am not religious over a margarita and he stared back at me and said, ‘Neither am I’.
“It was all a bit surreal,” says Lewis “but I thought it was kind of relevant – Jesus visiting the most expensive commercial shops the world has to offer around Christmas!”
Many thought WeHo Jesus was homeless or living on a bed of straw in a manger, but he lived in a West Hollywood apartment near Fountain and Laurel Avenues and was captured in the TMZ video below driving a black Mercedes and had been seen picking up tabs in trendy restaurants. “Apparently being the son of God has its perks.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9p-KZpCacQ
Hollywood Jesus is RICH! | TMZ
Short (WeHo Jesus) had appeared in several music videos and promotional footage for the City of West Hollywood for which he had refused any type of compensation.
According to Lisa Marie Belsanti, Director of Communications for the City of West Hollywood “Kevin was a WeHo original. His presence on set was joyful and helpful. He made sure everyone got a donut and a neck massage.”
“He was always game to support the City and volunteer his time. Kevin graciously agreed to be in The WeHoans and refused to be compensated.
We pray that West Hollywood Jesus’ ascension will be a “come to Jesus moment” – in a blessed way.
R.I.P. West Hollywood Jesus, Kevin Short.
