John Mulrooney, the Brooklyn-born comedian, radio personality, and former Late Show host, has died suddenly at 67, leaving the entertainment world reeling. Reports from Albany’s Times Union confirm he passed away at his home in Coxsackie, New York, on December 29, 2025. The cause of death has not yet been released, and friends describe his passing as completely unexpected.
Mulrooney’s career spanned nearly every corner of comedy and broadcasting. He emerged in the 1980s performing at iconic clubs like Dangerfield’s and Sheepshead Bay, quickly earning a reputation for his sharp wit and commanding stage presence. By 1987, he stepped into the spotlight on television, temporarily replacing Joan Rivers as host of The Late Show.
Over the years, Mulrooney appeared on countless shows, including Comic Strip Live, An Evening at the Improv, Great Balls of Fire!, and Andrew Dice Clay and His Gang Live! The Valentine’s Day Massacre. He competed on Star Search and The New Hollywood Squares, guest-starred on Ellen and The Good Life, and hosted Fox’s King of the Mountain and The Pat Sajak Show. He even created and starred in the Comedy Central sitcom Midtown North, proving his talent extended beyond stand-up.
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