In a shocking and heartbreaking twist, veteran comedian and late-night TV host John Mulrooney—who once ruled the stage with biting wit and hosted national television shows—has died suddenly at the age of 67. The beloved comic was found dead in his Coxsackie, New York home, according to local reports. No cause of death has been revealed.
Mulrooney’s life was anything but ordinary—from late-night studios to stand-up spotlights to eventually patrolling the streets as a police officer in small-town upstate New York.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Mulrooney cut his teeth in the gritty New York comedy scene, where he quickly gained a reputation for his razor-sharp improvisation and fearless crowd work. His rise through the comedy ranks led to a hosting gig on Comic Strip Live, Fox’s flagship stand-up series in the 1980s, and appearances on HBO, Showtime, PBS’ Comedy Tonight, and more.
When Joan Rivers was booted from The Late Show in 1987, Fox tapped Mulrooney as one of the comedians to keep the show alive. He later went on to guest-host The Pat Sajak Show on CBS, and appeared as a performer at comedy clubs coast-to-coast, including The Improv, The Laugh Factory, and Rodney Dangerfield’s iconic venue.
Mulrooney also scored acting roles in several shows throughout the ’80s and ’90s, including Ellen, 1st and Ten, Ryder P.I., and Hardball, plus a role in the Jerry Lee Lewis biopic Great Balls of Fire (1989). But despite flirting with Hollywood fame, Mulrooney always returned to his first love: stand-up.
In a jaw-dropping career pivot, Mulrooney joined the Coxsackie Police Department as a rookie cop at the age of 52—well past the age most officers start. Locals remember him not only as the guy who once did comedy for the nation, but as a warm, approachable officer who took his badge just as seriously as he did a mic.
He served faithfully until 2024, bringing the same street-smart instincts and sharp observational skills that once earned him laughs to now protect and serve his community.
His family confirmed the sudden death in a brief statement, calling him a “beloved stand-up comedian” and a “dedicated public servant.” Fans and colleagues across the entertainment world are mourning the loss of a man who could make a room howl with laughter—and who later risked his life to keep others safe.
A funeral service is scheduled for January 5 in Staten Island, where friends, family, fellow officers, and fans are expected to gather and say goodbye to a true one-of-a-kind performer and patriot.
The problem with working long hours for decades is that I’ve never heard of all of these famous people. Maybe that wasn’t actually a problem, as I wasn’t brainwashed by movies and television.
My condolences to his family, and friends….RIP