John Mulrooney, the iconic stand-up comedian and TV host, dies only weeks after what's reported to be his final public appearance at a benefit event. Here's what we know so far.
A bright star has fallen in the comedy world. John Mulrooney, the iconic stand-up comedian, actor, and late-night television's guest host, has passed away, months after celebrating his 67th birthday. He was best known for hosting Fox's Comic Strip Live and stepping in as a guest host on The Late Show.
John Mulrooney is reported to have died on December 29, 2025, at his home in Coxsackie, New York. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing at age 67. As of now, the official cause of his death remains undisclosed. The comedian had no known record of health struggles and remained active in his final days as well.
What has made Mulrooney's passing even harder is how active the comedy legend remained until the very end. According to multiple reports, he was performing publicly just weeks before his death, including a benefit comedy show in Albany in early December 2025. His colleagues described him as an upbeat and sharp comedian who fully engaged with the crowd. The benefit is believed to be his final public appearance before death.
Mulrooney, in his decades-long career, had cemented his status as one of the most widely acclaimed comics and hosts in America. Best known as the host of Fox’s Comic Strip Live, a late-night showcase, he introduced audiences to some of the sharpest stand-up voices of his era. An adept host, John Mulrooney was a natural fit for live television and, later on, radio, thanks to his quick improvisation style and ease with crowd work.
Mulrooney's name dominated the headlines in 1987 when he stepped in as a temporary host of The Late Show after the firing of former host Joan Rivers. The comedian also guest-hosted The Pat Sajak Show on CBS and appeared on comedy programs across HBO, Showtime, PBS, and A&E.
John Mulrooney stepped into the world of comedy in the late 19870s and almost instantly became a fan favourite with his comic sense. Born on August 27, 1958, and raised in Flatbush, Brooklyn, he came up through performances at the city's gritty club scene, starting at the legendary Pips Comedy Club in Sheepshead Bay.
In the early 1980s, Mulrooney competed on Star Search, and in 1987, he stepped into an unexpected spotlight when he stepped in as the temporary host of The Late Show following the sudden exit of Joan Rivers. His famous quote, "My pronouns are HeeHee," remains an iconic line among his modern fans.
Beyond stand-up, Mulrooney built a steady acting career with appearances on shows such as Ellen, Ryder P.I., 1st and Ten, and Hardball, along with a role in the 1989 film Great Balls of Fire. In later years, he shifted into radio, hosting morning and afternoon programs in New York City, Cleveland, and Albany, and working with iHeartRadio. He even joined the Coxsackie Police Department at 52, serving as an officer from 2010 to 2024.
On the personal front, John Mukrey was known to be married. Though he kept much of his personal life private, those close to him consistently described him as a generous and deeply loved family man. His obituary reads:
"John 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. His voice, his stories, and his spirit will continue to echo in the lives of those he touched."
With no cause of death yet officially released, the suddenness of John Mulrooney's passing has raised concerns about the comedian's well-being in his final days. What are your thoughts?
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