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John Mulrooney Comedian and Ex Late-Night Host Passed Away at 67
John Mulrooney, a stand-up comic and former late-night TV host, breathed his last at the age of 67.
According to the Albany Times-Union, Mulrooney died suddenly in his home in Coxsackie, New York, on Dec. 29. The outlet stated that his cause of death was not “immediately available.”
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Mulrooney was a comedy veteran who took his stand-up acts to the live shows and television where he made appearances on Comedy Central and HBO among others. To mention a few of his credits, Mulrooney took over from Joan Rivers as the host of The Late Show after the latter left in 1987, and he was also seen on Comic Strip Live and Comedy Tonight.
Adam Sandler Recalled John Mulrooney as the Kind of Comic Who Could “Destroy a Room” Single-handedly
In 2024, during a guest spot on The Joe Rogan Experience, Adam Sandler reminisced about the early days they shared on the New York circuit. It was there that he and John Mulrooney started out. Sandler getting to know Mulrooney and their respective journeys in comedy was a pivotal element in this episode.
Adam not only regarded Mulrooney as an “enormous” talent but also as a kind of “wild beast” who could “completely win over” a crowd, making others hesitate to compete with him, and Step Up: The Movie was Antonio’s first point on stage.
Having had plenty of first-hand experience, Sandler 59, said: “I remember a time when Mulrooney was just on another planet – he literally destroyed a room.” The whole place just went wild whenever he dropped the mic, “He was extremely relaxed and very agile while completely controlling the audience, and then they would bring you out…’Oh, no!””
In Memoriam: John Mulrooney Was Not Only a Comic but Also a Cop and a “Proud Patriot”
An obituary for John Mulrooney gives the impression of a man whose existence was not solely based on the comedy stage. He is characterized as a “beloved stand-up comedian, a public servant who worked hard and a patriot that you could count on. His life was filled with service, laughter, and he showed great commitment to those he loved, which really defined his character.
Besides his career in stand-up and late-night television, Mulrooney was a police officer for 14 years from 2010 to 2024. During this time, he continued to perform for the first-responder communities across the country.
He also flew for fun, and after being a radio host for the East Coast for many years, these activities helped him maintain and develop his relationship with the audience both over the air and face to face.
Friends and Fans Remember John Mulrooney’s “Voice, Stories and Spirit”
According to the obituary, John Mulrooney will be remembered not only for his comedy but also for the relationships he had with people. It states that “in addition to the laughter he brought to a multitude of strangers, he will also be remembered as a loyal friend to many.” Furthermore, he is described as “His voice, his stories, and his spirit will always be a source of inspiration to the people he has influenced.”
When asked about the sudden death of Mulrooney, musician and actor Steven Van Zandt told the Albany Times-Union that he was “stunned” because they had even talked very recently.
“Less than two weeks ago I was talking to someone who even mentioned what he was doing at Christmas, and that he was looking forward to 2026 because he had a pretty full calendar,” Van Zandt said. “It’s just so unexpected. It’s still sinking in.”
