stand up comedian John Mulrooney has died He was 67 years old.
Mulrooney was found dead at his home in Coxsackie, New York on Monday, December 29, according to the Albany Times-Union. The outlet further reported that he “died suddenly”, although the official cause of death has not been released.
“I’m shocked,” his close friend Steve Van Zandt told the paper about Mulrooney’s death. “Talking to someone less than two weeks ago, and I had mentioned what I was doing for Christmas, and I was looking forward to 2026 because I had a pretty full schedule. It’s so unexpected. It’s still sinking in.”
by Mulrooney obituary referred to him as a “beloved comedian, dedicated public servant and proud patriot”.
“Born and raised in Brooklyn, John came from a large, loving and boisterous family. He grew up in Holy Cross Parish in Flatbush, where his extended family included his Irish immigrant grandparents and numerous cousins,” the obituary began. “He attended Brooklyn Technical High School, where some fights after school inspired him to wrestle in the Golden Gloves. He began his comedy career in the 1980s at Pips in Sheepshead Bay and became a veteran of the comedy world.”
Throughout his career, Mulrooney performed Comedy Tonight, The Late Show, Comic Strip Live and other standup specials across HBO, Showtime, A&E and Comedy Central.
“John also proudly performed several times for America’s service members overseas, participating in USO tours throughout the Middle East,” the obituary continued. “These performances were some of his proudest moments, allowing him to give back to the men and women who serve far from home and provide moments of laughter and relief in challenging environments.”
Mulrooney, who also co-hosted several popular morning radio shows in New York and Ohio, found a second career in law enforcement. He worked as a police officer from 2010 to 2024.
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“He became an in-demand performer for police and fire departments across the country, using comedy to support first responders and the communities they protect,” the statement said. “John Mulrooney will be remembered as much for being a loyal friend to countless people as for the laughter he brought to a crowd of strangers. His voice, his stories and his spirit will continue to echo in the lives of those he touched.”
Mulrooney is survived by his parents, brothers and 10 nieces and nephews.
“Family was the constant thread in his life – his source of strength, humor and foundation,” the obituary concluded. “He spoke of them often with immense love and pride.”
Many of Mulrooney’s friends have since they shared their condolences through social networks.
“I am saddened to say that John passed away last night (on) my father’s birthday,” the comedian said. Andrew Dice Clay wrote via Instagram on Tuesday, December 30. “Johnny was tall, handsome, an ex-boxer, he also had the ingredients (and) the discipline to go up there every night, the drive, the desire and the willingness to go through whatever it took to get to the top. Then Joan Rivers left a night show there were a few different hosts, one of them being JOHN! The other was ARSINIO HALL. John did a great job, he even had me on the show.
Seinfeld alum Brad Garrett responded in the comments section of Clay’s “beautiful tribute,” adding, “So sorry for your loss. He was a funny cat. Glad you were friends. Sending love and comfort to you and his family.”