In news that just no one wants to hear, Last Comic Standing finalist Mike DeStefano died last night of heart failure. An HIV-positive former heroin addict know for his gruff stand-up style, the Bronx-born comedian made it to the top five during last year’s season, and toured with the other Standing comedians this fall. In addition to his foul-mouth stand-up routines, DeStefano’s story-telling through New York’s The Moth about the death of his wife from AIDS helped inform his signature fearless style.
Other comedians like Marc Maron are offering tribute to the comedian, who has performed on Late Night With Conan O’Brien and the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen to name a few. “Deep, real, life. RIP,” Maron tweeted. The comic’s management company 3 Arts Entertainment confirms Stefano’s death, saying in a statement “We are indeed incredibly saddened by the loss of this amazing man. He had touched the lives of many with his unique brand of comedy and was looking forward to sharing the same with so many more. Mostly, we will all miss his huge heart and incredibly loving and selfless passion for people.” Anyone who saw the show or seen DeStefano’s stand-up know what a talented performer he was; he will undoubtedly be missed.
[Photo: Getty Images]
