How did Zuri Craig die? Family mourns death of 'America's Got Talent ' alum at age 44
Zuri Craig, a former contestant on 'America's Got Talent' who appeared in several Tyler Perry plays, died Friday night, Oct 21, at age 44 of complications from an unspecified illness. His tragic death was announced by his family on Sunday, October 23, on his Instagram page ZoReMi Entertainment.
The family of America's Got Talent alum said in the statement, "It is with profound sadness that we announce the transition of our beloved son, brother, and friend, Zuri Craig. We thank you in advance for your prayers. Please honor our privacy during this unimaginable time of mourning. Official details to follow."
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The CraigLewis Band, which consists of Zuri and his vocal partner Jeffrey Lewis, was a grand finalist of Season 10 of NBC's 'America's Got Talent' back in 2015. The talented duo was scheduled to perform at The King's Fest on Oct 30 at the MCHS Gymnasium in Camilla, Georgia. The play Soul Food Live, which premieres Nov 20 at Center Stage Theater in Atlanta, was also produced by Craig, Daily Mail reports.
However, the Atlanta native is likely best known for his collaboration with Tyler Perry, in which he portrayed sixth-grader Donnie, age 17, in the musical 'Madea's Big Happy Family,' which was presented in Hollywood at the Kodak Theatre in 2010.
A Madea Christmas, which was presented in 2011 at the Cobb Energy Center in Atlanta, featured Zuri as Madea's virginal son Japan Mansell. Craig's final acting role was as the preacher in the November 26 premiere of the podcast The Color Purple Audio Experience: A Benefit for Black Womxn by OurSomewhere Digital Productions.
The news of Zuri Craig sent shockwaves to his friends and followers. Users on Twitter expressed their concerns through heartfelt posts. His friend and singing partner Jeffrey Lewis shared a touching tribute post, "On yesterday I lost my brother, my friend. I am broken, completely devastated. I love you more than words can express. The CraigLewis Band Forever! Rest In Peace My Friend." One shocked user tweeted, "Wait a minute! Zuri Craig, who used to sing his ass off in a few Madea plays, died?!" Another user wrote, "Zuri Craig died he was such a talented man. Prayers for his family." One user wrote, "Omg this is soooooo sad!!!!! RIP Zuri Craig!! He was my favorite from the play!! His voice was beautiful!!!" "As a Tyler Perry play fan it saddens me to say that Zuri Craig has passed away. Rest in peace Zuri!" penned one user.
On yesterday I lost my brother, my friend. I am broken, completely devastated. I love you more than words can express. The CraigLewis Band Forever! Rest In Peace My Friend 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/Ox6jXTx8an
— Jeffery Lewis (@iamjefferylewis) October 23, 2022
Wait a minute! Zuri Craig, who used to sing his ass off in a few Madea plays, died?! pic.twitter.com/FzLcJV9JMu
— Will Smith Slapped Me (@AshleyShyMiller) October 23, 2022
Zuri Craig died 🥺 he was such a talented man. Prayers for his family 🤍
— Dessy (@dessy__music) October 23, 2022
Omg this is soooooo sad!!!!! RIP Zuri Craig!! He was my favorite from the play!! His voice was beautiful!!! pic.twitter.com/kW8F7FnW48
— Mamba Out ✌🏾✌🏾 (@kcjj_04) October 23, 2022
As a Tyler Perry play fan it saddens me to say that Zuri Craig has passed away. Rest in peace Zuri! pic.twitter.com/hZFEXtYCxV
— Flash Gordon (@SunnyBLite) October 23, 2022
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