John Mulrooney, comedian and former late-night host, dies at 67

Stand-up comedian and television host John Mulrooney has died at the age of 67, tributes celebrate his long career

John Mulrooney, the Brooklyn-born stand-up comedian who hosted Comic Strip Live and appeared on numerous television programmes, has died at the age of 67.

His death was reported by the Albany Times-Union, which said he died suddenly on Monday at his home in Coxsackie, New York. No cause of death has been released.

Mulrooney built a career spanning several decades in comedy and broadcasting. Known for his improvisational style and ability to engage live audiences, he performed at venues including the Improv, the Laugh Factory and Dangerfield’s. He also appeared on HBO, Showtime and the PBS series Comedy Tonight.

In 1987, Mulrooney was among the comedians who stepped in to host Fox’s The Late Show following Joan Rivers’ departure. He later served as a guest host on CBS’s The Pat Sajak Show. His television acting credits included appearances on Ryder P.I., 1st and Ten, Ellen, Midtown North, The Good Life and Hardball, as well as the 1989 film Great Balls of Fire.

Born on August 27 1958, Mulrooney was raised in Flatbush, Brooklyn, and attended Brooklyn Technical High School. He began performing stand-up comedy in the early 1980s at the Pips nightclub in Sheepshead Bay and later competed on the syndicated series Star Search, eventually joining its writing team. In 1994, he appeared in a Valentine’s Day pay-per-view special headlined by Andrew Dice Clay.

Clay paid tribute to Mulrooney, writing that he “never gave up” and describing him as a “great, great comedian.” Mulrooney also performed for US troops overseas, which his family said were among his proudest moments.

Later in life, Mulrooney joined the Coxsackie Police Department at the age of 52 and served until 2024. He subsequently performed at fundraisers for police and fire departments nationwide.

In a statement, his family said he would be remembered for his loyalty, humour and generosity of spirit, adding that his stories and voice would continue to resonate with those he knew. Donations in his memory are being directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.