John Mulrooney, a Brooklyn-born stand-up comedian who hosted Fox’s “Comic Strip Live” and briefly took over “The Late Show,” died December 29, 2025, at his home in Coxsackie, New York. He was 67 years old.
No cause of death was immediately available for the comedian, who began his career in the early 1980s and became known for his energetic performances at legendary comedy venues across the country.
Mulrooney was born Aug. 27, 1958, in Flatbush, Brooklyn. He attended Brooklyn Technical High School and boxed in the Golden Gloves competition before finding his calling in comedy. He started performing in the early 1980s at Pips nightclub in Sheepshead Bay, a Brooklyn venue that became a launching pad for his career.
His early success led him to compete on “Star Search,” the popular syndicated talent competition. After his appearances as a contestant, he joined the show’s writers room, gaining experience on both sides of the comedy business.
Mulrooney replaced Joan Rivers on “The Late Show” in 1987 during a tumultuous period for the Fox program. He also guest hosted “The Pat Sajak Show” on CBS and appeared on numerous television programs including HBO, Showtime and PBS’s “Comedy Tonight.” His television work extended to an appearance on “Ellen.”
The comedian became a fixture at iconic comedy venues including The Improv, The Laugh Factory and Dangerfield’s. His ability to work a room and improvise made him a favorite among comedy club audiences throughout his career.
In 1994, Mulrooney was featured on a Valentine’s Day pay-per-view special with Andrew Dice Clay, a fellow Brooklyn comedian who also got his start at Pips. The two comedians shared a history rooted in the Brooklyn comedy scene of the 1980s.
Clay paid tribute to his friend on social media, reflecting on Mulrooney’s determination and versatility. “He never gave up, he never stopped trying, which is what it’s all about in my book,” Clay wrote. “Not everybody climbs to the top, and not everybody becomes a superstar. John was a great, great comedian.”
In the 1989 musical film “Great Balls of Fire!” Mulrooney appeared as an actor, playing Jack Paar. The role demonstrated his range beyond stand-up comedy and television hosting.
Mulrooney performed several times for U.S. troops overseas, appearances his family said were among his proudest moments. The USO tours allowed him to bring comedy to servicemembers stationed far from home, providing entertainment in challenging environments.
Beyond comedy, Mulrooney built a substantial radio career. He hosted shows in New York City, Cleveland and Albany, New York. In the late 1990s, he co-hosted a morning show with Bob Wohlfeld on WPYX. He also worked with iHeartRadio, launching “Mulrooney in the Morning” in 2014.
In a remarkable career transition, Mulrooney was hired as a rookie cop with the Coxsackie Police Department in 2010 at age 52. He served through 2024, balancing law enforcement with his ongoing work in comedy and radio. This second career led him to perform at fundraisers for police and fire departments across the country, combining his entertainment skills with his commitment to public service.
Adam Sandler praised Mulrooney’s comedic abilities, remembering the challenge of following him on stage. “I remember Mulrooney would just destroy a room,” Sandler said. “He was so loose and would dominate the room, and then they’d bring you up, and you’re like, ‘Oh, goodness gracious.'”
Mulrooney’s family noted that donations in his memory can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The charitable organization has long been supported by entertainers seeking to help children battling serious illnesses.
His family said 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.” They added that “his voice, his stories and his spirit will continue to echo in the lives of those he touched.”
The comedian’s career spanned more than four decades, from his early days at Pips nightclub through his television hosting duties, film appearances, radio programs and ultimately his service as a police officer. His versatility and persistence marked him as a performer who never stopped pursuing new challenges, whether on stage, behind a microphone or serving his community in law enforcement.
Mulrooney died on December 29, 2025, leaving behind a legacy that encompassed comedy, broadcasting and public service. His journey from a Brooklyn teenager boxing in Golden Gloves competitions to a nationally recognized comedian and radio personality illustrated the diverse paths available to those with talent, determination and an unwavering commitment to their craft.
