Mike DeStefano Dead; A Tribute to the 'Recovery Comic'

Mike DeStefano Dead; A Tribute to the 'Recovery Comic' "Mike DeStefano, whose recovery from heroin addiction fueled his no-holds-barred comedy, has died from a heart attack.

DeStefano, who was in his 40s, was born in the Bronx in New York, and according to his official bio, became a heroin user at the age of 15. Fifteen years later, he kicked his addiction and began working as a drug counselor. A spontaneous decision to entertain a crowd of fellow addicts turned into a full-fledged career in comedy.

In addition to his appearances on 'Late Night With Conan O'Brien,' 'The Howard Stern Show' and 'Comedy Central Presents,' DeStefano was a featured performer at HBO's Aspen Comedy Festival and the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal. Last year he competed on NBC's 'Last Comic Standing,' making it to the final five. His one-man show, 'A Cherry Tree in the Bronx,' was scheduled for a one-night-only performance this week at New York's Barrow Street Theater."

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