'Last Comic Standing' hopeful Mike DeStefano dies

[March 08, 2011]  NEW YORK (AP) -- Comedian Mike DeStefano, who finished among the top five finalists last season in NBC's "Last Comic Standing," has died.

His representative at 3 Arts Entertainment confirmed DeStefano died Sunday in New York City. 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."

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]

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