NEW YORK – Comedian Mike DeStefano, a finalist on 2010’s "Last Comic Standing," has died of a heart attack.
DeStefano passed away Sunday night, a friend of his family tells Punchline Magazine.
The funnyman was scheduled to perform his one-man show, "A Cherry Tree in The Bronx," at New York City’s Barrow Street Theater this Wednesday. He had reportedly just finished a run of sold-out shows titled "Drugs, Disease and Death: A Comedy" at the Producer’s Club Theater in New York.
DeStefano overcame several challenges in his life, including a heroin addiction that began at age 15. Nearly 15 years later, he cleaned up and began working as a drug counselor in Florida. It was then that an impromptu performance at a convention led to him pursuing a career in stand-up comedy.
DeStefano, who was HIV positive, also overcame the death of his wife.
The Bronx native finished fourth during Season 7 of the NBC comedy competition.
Photo credit: NBC
