John Mulrooney, a stand-up comedian, television host, actor, radio personality, and public servant whose career spanned more than four decades, has died at the age of 67. According to reporting by the Albany Times-Union, Mulrooney died suddenly on Monday at his home in Coxsackie, New York. No cause of death was immediately released.
Born in Brooklyn on August 27, 1958, Mulrooney built a life that blended entertainment, service, and resilience. Raised in Flatbush as one of five children, he attended Brooklyn Technical High School, competed in amateur Golden Gloves boxing, and began performing stand-up comedy in the early 1980s at Pips nightclub in Sheepshead Bay. That venue later became known as an early launching point for several New York comics. From those beginnings, Mulrooney developed a reputation for sharp improvisation and strong audience connection that carried him to stages and screens nationwide.
John Mulrooney’s Comedy Career From New York Clubs to National Television
Mulrooney performed at well-known comedy venues including the Improv, the Laugh Factory, and Dangerfield’s, and his stand-up work appeared on HBO, Showtime, and the PBS program Comedy Tonight. He also competed on the syndicated series Star Search and later joined its writers room, marking his versatility both onstage and behind the scenes.
In 1987, Mulrooney became part of a rotating group of comedians who filled in as host of Fox’s The Late Show after Joan Rivers’ departure. He also served as a guest host on CBS’ The Pat Sajak Show and went on to host Comic Strip Live on Fox, further cementing his presence in late-night and comedy television.
