Levon Ter Petrossian, the beloved Armenian-American comedian, actor, musician, and co-founder of the iconic DEMQ Show, passed away on April 16, 2026, at the age of 45 after a battle with stage 4 colon cancer.
Early Life and Journey
Born on February 26, 1981, in Yerevan, Armenia, Levon later lived in Russia and Canada before settling in Glendale, California, United States. His multicultural journey helped shape the humor, identity, and life perspective that would later define his creative work. He graduated from Hoover High School, where many of the friendships that influenced his future career began.
Building the DEMQ Show Legacy
In the mid-1990s, Levon joined close friends David Tovmasyan, Karo Kirakosyan, Gor Kirakosyan, Samvel Tarakhchyan, and Artak Hovsepyan to form the group “Du DEMQ Es,” which later evolved into the DEMQ Show in 1997.
The project became one of the most recognized comedy platforms among Armenians worldwide. Through sketches, music, satire, and cultural storytelling, the DEMQ Show connected generations across the diaspora. Levon played a central role in shaping its voice through humor, creativity, and warmth.
He also appeared in films including Power Poison (2009) and Secret of Light (2012), demonstrating his range as both performer and actor.
Away from public life, Levon was known as a devoted husband, loving father to two sons, and caring son and brother. Family remained the center of his life and a major source of strength during his illness.
Cancer Diagnosis and Fight
In late August 2025, Levon was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer that had already spread to the liver. He underwent treatment in the United States and pursued every available option with determination.
When treatment choices became limited, he returned to Armenia, where he continued care surrounded by loved ones. Throughout the illness, friends described him as resilient, hopeful, and unwilling to surrender.
Final Days
During his final days, Levon was surrounded by family, close friends, and longtime collaborators. Members of the DEMQ Show team, along with fellow Armenian entertainers, remained by his side, sharing memories, support, and companionship. Those present described an atmosphere filled not only with sorrow, but also gratitude, friendship, and the same humor Levon had shared with audiences for decades.
He passed away peacefully on April 16.
Lasting Legacy
Levon Ter Petrossian leaves a lasting mark on Armenian entertainment and diaspora culture. Through the DEMQ Show, he helped create a form of comedy that was authentic, relatable, and deeply loved. For many, he was more than an entertainer he was part of family traditions, laughter-filled evenings, and cultural identity across generations.
Tributes continue to pour in from fans, colleagues, and friends, honoring a man remembered for talent, kindness, and spirit.
Colon Cancer Death Statistics in Recent Years
According to estimates cited by leading oncology organizations including NCCN and ASCO through American Cancer Society data, colorectal cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in the United States. In 2026, approximately 55,230 deaths are expected. This compares with 52,900 estimated deaths in 2025, 53,010 in 2024, 52,550 in 2023, and 52,980 in 2021. These figures highlight the continued burden of colon and rectal cancers, while also reflecting the importance of screening, earlier diagnosis, and advances in treatment that have helped reduce mortality rates over time.
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Written by Aharon Tsaturyan, MD, Editor at OncoDaily Intelligence Unit