John Mulrooney, a former late-night television host and stand-up comedian, has died at the age of 67. He passed away at his home in Coxsackie, New York, on December 29.
The Albany Times-Union reported that Mulrooney’s death was ‘sudden,’ though the cause has not yet been disclosed.
Mulrooney was celebrated for his dedication to comedy, frequently performing at renowned venues in Hollywood, including The Laugh Factory, the Improv, and The Comedy Store.
He stepped into the spotlight as a host on Fox’s The Late Show following Joan Rivers’ departure in 1987.
From 1989 to 1990, Mulrooney also hosted the weekly television series Comic Strip Live.
In addition to his television career, Mulrooney co-hosted radio programs in major cities like New York City, Albany, and Cleveland.
Former late night host and stand-up comedian John Mulrooney passed away at the age of 67 at his residence on December 29
Eventually, he made appearances in both television and film projects in Hollywood.
He starred in an episode of the sitcom Ellen in 1994 – which had formerly been titled These Friends Of Mine during its first season.
Mulrooney also took on the role of a talk show host in the biographical drama movie Great Balls Of Fire! (1989) alongside other cast members such as Dennis Quaid, Winona Ryder and Alec Baldwin.
He also had small roles in episodes of other shows including Ryder P.I. (1986), The Good Life (1994) and Hardball (1994).
According to his official obituary, Mulrooney had been a ‘beloved stand-up comedian, dedicated public servant, and proud patriot whose life was defined by service, laughter and an unwavering devotion to the people he loved.’
The late star was born in Brooklyn on August 27, 1958 – and went on to attend Brooklyn Technical High School.
His career also began there in the 80s and Mulrooney began performing stand-up comedy at Pips – which has since been permanently closed.
‘When I got on stage and it was at Pips for the very first time to do comedy – it was like being struck with lightning,’ he recalled on the Who’s Your Band podcast.
The late star died ‘suddenly’ at his home located in Coxsackie, New York, according to the Albany Times-Union- although a cause of death has yet to be revealed; seen above (middle) in 1994 with Don Yesso and Ellen DeGeneres
Mulrooney had been known for embracing his passion for comedy, performing at iconic Hollywood venues such as The Laugh Factory, the Improv and The Comedy Store throughout his entertainment career; The Laugh Factory seen above on Sunset Boulevard
‘I will never forget it. And I suddenly knew why I was doing what I was doing. I just loved it and nothing was gonna stop me. Nothing was going to get in my way.’
He ‘made his mark in Hollywood by hosting several nationally syndicated television shows, such as Comedy Tonight, the Late Show and Comic Strip Live, and appearing on HBO, Showtime, A&E and Comedy Central,’ the obit further read.
Aside from his entertainment career, Mulrooney took part in ‘USO tours throughout the Middle East during the Global War on Terror.’
It had been ‘his proudest moments, allowing him to give back to the men and women serving far from home and to bring moments of laughter and relief in challenging environments.’
Another passion of the late comedian had been flying – which was an ‘expression of his curiosity, confidence, and joy for living.’
Mulrooney later entered a different career and had been a police officer from 2010 until 2024 with the Coxsackie Police Department.
‘He became a sought-after performer for police and fire department fundraisers across the country, using comedy to support first responders and the communities they protect,’ per the obit.
But the late comedian’s ‘greatest pride was his family’ which was also ‘the constant thread in his life.’
‘When I got on stage and it was at Pips for the very first time to do comedy – it was like being struck with lightning,’ he recalled on the Who’s Your Band podcast
‘He became a sought-after performer for police and fire department fundraisers across the country, using comedy to support first responders and the communities they protect,’ per the obit
A funeral service is set to take place on January 5 in Staten Island at the Church of the Holy Family.
His close pal and fellow comedian Andrew Dice Clay paid an emotional tribute to Mulrooney this week on social media.
‘I Remember The First Time I Saw John Mulrooney … Pips Comedy Club In Brooklyn,’ he recalled in the caption of a post shared to both Instagram and Facebook.
Clay went on to recall that Mulrooney ‘was the last comedian to come out of that club that everybody thought would become a really really big star!’
‘Johnny was tall, good looking, An ex Boxer … he also had the ingredients… The discipline to get up there every night, the drive, the want and willing to go through whatever it had to be to claw his way to the top.’
He added, ‘After Joan Rivers left a late night show there were a few different hosts, one of them was JOHN! The other one was ARSINIO HALL . John did a great job,,, even had me on the show.’
Clay later expressed to his followers that Mulrooney had been a person who ‘never gave up’ and ‘never stopped trying, which is what it’s all about in my book.
His close pal and fellow comedian Andrew Dice Clay paid an emotional tribute to Mulrooney this week on social media; Clay seen in 2023 in New York
Clay went on to recall that Mulrooney ‘was the last comedian to come out of that club that everybody thought would become a really really big star!’
‘Not everybody climbs to the top, and not everybody becomes a superstar,’ he further added.
‘John was a great, great comedian, John was a pilot, a boxer, he became a police officer for like the last 25 years on top of doing stand-up comedy. JOHN, you accomplished a lot.!!! John ,section 8 JOHN !!! XO ♥️.’
Mulrooney ‘will be remembered as much for being a loyal friend to countless people as for the laughter he brought to a multitude of strangers,’ per the late star’s obit.
‘His voice, his stories and his spirit will continue to echo in the lives of those he touched.’
