John Mulrooney, comedian and former Late Show host, dies at 67
The beloved entertainer and ex-police officer left a legacy of laughter and service
John Mulrooney, a stand-up comedy legend and former late-night TV host, has died unexpectedly at 67, leaving behind a career that spanned comedy clubs, radio airwaves, and even law enforcement.
John Mulrooney wasn’t just funny — he was unforgettable. Known for his booming voice and larger-than-life energy, he became a familiar face on television in the 1980s and a beloved radio personality in the decades that followed.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Mulrooney rose through the gritty comedy scene of the early ’80s, performing in classic clubs like Dangerfield’s and The Improv. In 1987, he reached national fame when he replaced Joan Rivers as host of The Late Show, marking a major milestone in his career.
A life on stage, on air — and in uniform
Beyond late-night TV, Mulrooney appeared on a wide range of comedy and variety shows, including Comic Strip Live, Star Search, and An Evening at the Improv. He even created his own short-lived sitcom, Midtown North, on Comedy Central.
But Mulrooney wasn’t only about laughs. In 2010, he made an unexpected turn: becoming a full-time police officer. For 14 years, he served while still performing comedy — often at fundraisers for police and firefighters.
His obituary described him as a man whose life was “defined by service, laughter, and an unwavering devotion to the people he loved.”
Radio star
In the 1990s and 2000s, Mulrooney became a fixture on East Coast radio. He co-hosted Wolf and Mulrooney in the Morning on WPYX, teamed up with Abbey for The John and Abbey Show, and later worked with iHeartRadio.
Even in recent years, he stayed active in comedy. In May 2025, he performed at the Craic Comedy Fest in Queens, New York, sharing the stage with Colin Quinn.
After his death on December 29, 2025, at his home in Coxsackie, New York, tributes poured in. Actor Adam Sandler remembered him fondly during a previous appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, saying:
“Mulrooney would just destroy a room… then they’d bring you up and you’re like, ‘Oh goodness gracious.’”
Steven Van Zandt, who shared a friendship with Mulrooney through radio, said the news “still hasn’t sunk in.”
“He was talking about Christmas plans, excited for 2026 — it’s all so unexpected,” Van Zandt told the Times Union.
John Mulrooney’s legacy is one of laughter, loyalty, and service. He brought humor into people’s homes and hearts — and stood behind the badge to protect the very communities he made laugh.
He may be gone, but his voice, his jokes, and his spirit live on through those he touched — both on stage and off.
