Latest news with #RayDeJon


New York Post
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
NYC comedian Ray DeJon dead days before birthday roast at his club: ‘A champion of comedy'
Comedian Ray DeJon has died just days before he was set to host a comedy roast in honor of his 64th birthday. The NYC-based comic died at age 63 on Monday — just one day before his birthday. A cause of death is unknown. In the days leading up to his untimely death, DeJon announced that he was holding a comedy roast at his Brooklyn comedy club, 275 Park Laffaholics, on July 16. Advertisement 5 Comedian Ray DeJon has died just days before he was set to host a comedy roast in honor of his 64th birthday. @raydejon/Instagram Aside from his work as a comedian and opening Brooklyn's first black-owned comedy venue, the funnyman had also interviewed music icons like Stevie Wonder and Alicia Keys. The comic's death was announced by video director Ralph McDaniels, who on Monday shared a heartfelt message on social media. Advertisement 'I am sad to announce the passing of our Video Music Box family @raydejon,' he wrote on Instagram. 'My condolences to his entire family. Ray Dejon will be missed.' DeJon's heartbroken sister, Evelyn Delacruz, took to social media to share her shock at the comic's sudden death. 5 The NYC-based comic died at age 63 on Monday, just one day before his birthday. @raydejon/Instagram 'Thank you everyone for reaching out me and my siblings and his children and family just ask for privacy at this devastating time,' she wrote on Instagram. Advertisement 'We will let everyone know when services will be held. We are all completely heartbroken. His birthday is tomorrow. Sleep in paradise my beautiful brother Ray DeJon Jr.' In his final social media post, DeJon urged fans to buy tickets to his upcoming comedy gig. In a video shared on Instagram with his 32,000 followers, the comedian said that while his birthday was on July 15, he wanted to celebrate the following day. 5 The comic's loved ones have paid tribute on social media. @evelynfmd/Instagram Advertisement The roast, which was set to be hosted by R&B singer Jimmy Cozier, was due to feature performances from Kenny Woo, Brooklyn Mike, K. Smith and Stephanie Kay. DeJon opened the club alongside Kwame Clarke and Rob Jones in January 2023. 'From hosting side-splitting stand-up nights to organizing memorable themed events, Ray Dejon has cultivated an environment where laughter is celebrated and cherished,' his profile read. 'His passion for comedy is contagious, creating an atmosphere where both performers and audiences feel right at home.' 5 A cause of death is unknown. @raydejon/Instagram Following the news of his death, fans and fellow stand-ups rushed to the comments section to pay their respects. 'Damn,' former boxing champ Shannon Briggs wrote. 'So sad to hear this. Rest easy champ.' 'I have no words,' comedian Ayanna Dookie wrote. 'Thank you for all the stage time and for putting so many of us on.' Advertisement The Comedy In Harlem fan page shared an emotional tribute to DeJon, saying, 'New York City lost a true giant.' Start your day with all you need to know Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more. Thanks for signing up! Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Never miss a story. Check out more newsletters 'Ray DeJon wasn't just a promoter — he was a connector of people, a champion of comedy, and a pillar in our community,' the page wrote. 'To lose someone like Ray is to lose a heartbeat of this city. He was a great guy, a loyal friend, and a legend whose spirit can never be replaced.' Meanwhile, comedian Vishnu Vaka said DeJon was one of the 'kindest people' in the industry. Advertisement DeJon had previously survived a stroke and had overcome addiction, the Sun reports. 5 DeJon opened Brooklyn's first black-owned comedy venue. @raydejon/Instagram He had been open about his sobriety journey, revealing that his health battle left him paralyzed. He added that medication had helped him to regain movement in his limbs. Aside from his comedy career, DeJon spent a lot of time helping young adults overcome substance abuse issues.


Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Comedian Ray DeJon dies suddenly just days before he was set to star in his birthday comedy roast
A former boxing champion is leading the tributes TRAGIC LOSS Comedian Ray DeJon dies suddenly just days before he was set to star in his birthday comedy roast Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE comedian Ray DeJon has died - just days before he was set to star in a comedy roast that would commemorate his birthday. Tributes have poured in for the entertainer and personality after news of his death emerged. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 2 Comedian Ray DeJon has died Credit: Instagram 2 Tributes have been paid to the comic Credit: Instagram DeJon's comedy career spanned more than 25 years and he entertained audiences containing up to 5,000 people. He was set to perform at the 275ParkBK venue in Brooklyn, New York, on July 16. DeJon's death was announced by the video director Ralph McDaniels. In his final Instagram video, he encouraged fans to buy tickets. The roast would've seen stars such as Kenny Woo, Brooklyn Mike, K. Smith and Stephanie Kay take to the stage. DeJon's final post has been inundated with messages of condolence. "I have no words," comedian Ayanna Dookie said. "Thank you for all the stage time and for putting so many of us on." "Damn," former boxing champion Shannon Briggs wrote. "So sad to hear this. Rest easy champ." Standup comedian Vishnu Vaka described DeJon as one of the "kindest people" on the comedy scene. "Part of my upbringing. Went to a lot of his shows. Great guy," another fan posted on social media. Fans noted how the star's birthday was approaching. More to follow... For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos. Like us on Facebook at TheSunUS and follow us on X at @TheUSSun


The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Comedian Ray DeJon dies suddenly just days before he was set to star in his birthday comedy roast
THE comedian Ray DeJon has died - just days before he was set to star in a comedy roast that would commemorate his birthday. Tributes have poured in for the entertainer and personality after news of his death emerged. 2 2 DeJon's comedy career spanned more than 25 years and he entertained audiences containing up to 5,000 people. He was set to perform at the 275ParkBK venue in Brooklyn, New York, on July 16. DeJon's death was announced by the video director Ralph McDaniels. In his final Instagram video, he encouraged fans to buy tickets. The roast would've seen stars such as Kenny Woo, Brooklyn Mike, K. Smith and Stephanie Kay take to the stage. DeJon's final post has been inundated with messages of condolence. "I have no words," comedian Ayanna Dookie said. "Thank you for all the stage time and for putting so many of us on." "Damn," former boxing champion Shannon Briggs wrote. "So sad to hear this. Rest easy champ." Standup comedian Vishnu Vaka described DeJon as one of the "kindest people" on the comedy scene. "Part of my upbringing. Went to a lot of his shows. Great guy," another fan posted on social media. Fans noted how the star's birthday was approaching. .