- Zuri Craig passed away on Oct. 21, 2022.
- He was a contestant on America’s Got Talent.
- He also appeared in a handful of Tyler Perry movies.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the transition of our beloved son, brother, and friend, Zuri Craig,” the family of the late America’s Got Talent performer posted on Oct. 23. The message, which was shared on social media, added, “We thank you in advance for your prayers. Please honor our privacy during this unimaginable time of mourning. Official details to follow.” The statement listed Zuri’s date of passing as Oct. 21, 2022. He was just 44.
No cause of death was revealed. Fans responded with love and sadness. “My condolences to his family and friends,” wrote one. “You blessed the world with your amazing talent.. you will be missed,” added another. “Words cannot say enough. Our condolences to the family.” “Prayers to his family and friends. Rest in Peace, King.” As the world mourns this loss, here’s what you need to know about Zur.
Zuri Craig Was On Season 10 of ‘America’s Got Talent’
Zuri was one half of the singing duet The CraigLewis Band that made it all the way to the finals of America’s Got Talent in 2015. During their run on Season 10, Zuri and Jeffrey Lewis delivered a memorable performance of James Browns’ “This Is A Man’s World” and earned a golden buzzer for their cover of Mary J. Blige’s “I’m Going Down.” However, they ultimately finished behind ventriloquist Paul Zerdin.
It Took A While For Him To Get On ‘AGT’
“I’ve wanted to audition for AGT for the past three years now, but I could never convince Jeffrey to audition with me,” Zuri said in an interview with the Gossip And Gab blog in 2015. “I asked him to audition and he finally said YES!”
Jeffrey mourned Zuri’s passing online. “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.”
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
He Worked With Tyler Perry…
Before Zuri was on AGT, he was already an on-screen talent, thanks to Tyler Perry. The Madea creator discovered Zuri through the singer’s YouTube covers, and hired him to work on his movies, per Us Weekly. Zuri appeared in Madea’s Big Happy Family (2011), A Madea Christmas (2011) and Madea Gets a Job (2013)
…And Was On A Podcast
Zuri’s IMDB profile lists one other acting credit, along with his work on Tyler Perry’s movies. Zuri played the role of a preacher in The Color Purple Audio Experience: A benefit for Black Womxn. The podcast series, also featured Felicia Fields, Melody Betts, Alexis J. Roston, and Galen J. Williams.
He Expanded Into The Entertainment Industry
Zuri established ZoReMi Entertainment, which allowed him to put on some productions in Atlanta, Georgia. In October, ZoReMi Ent announced Soul Food Live at the Center Stage Theatre. The production featured Melvin Crispell III, Paris Bennett, Stout, Jessica Dinae, Yael Hilton, and more. Previous productions included Zuri Craig’s Social Media Christmas, Zuri Craig’s The House That Misery Built, and a production of The Truth About Black Men.
Our thoughts are with Zuri’s family during this time of loss.