Mike DeStefano, finalist in ‘Last Comic Standing,’ dies

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Mike DeStefano, a comedian who finished among the top five finalists last season in NBC’s ‘Last Comic Standing,’ died Sunday in New York City, according to his representative at 3 Arts Entertainment. The representative wouldn’t disclose DeStefano’s age or the cause of death.

Born in the Bronx, DeStefano was a former drug addict who became a drug counselor and then started a career in stand-up.

He played at clubs, made television appearances and performed at festivals. He came in fourth place on ‘Last Comic Standing’ (and was interviewed afterward in the YouTube clip above).

DeStefano’s death came just days before he was scheduled to perform his one-man show, ‘A Cherry Tree In The Bronx,’ in New York.

-- Associated Press