John Mulrooney

John Mulrooney, the sharp-witted stand-up comedian and television host who became a familiar face in the late 1980s and 90s, passed away on December 29, 2025. He was 67. Reports indicate he died in Los Angeles following a battle with cancer. Mulrooney first gained national attention as the host of "Comic Strip Live" the first primetime stand-up comedy show on network television, which helped launch the careers of many comedy legends.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Mulrooney's act was defined by his street-smart New York attitude and rapid-fire delivery. He was a regular on the comedy club circuit before transitioning to television, where he famously replaced Joan Rivers as the host of \"The Late Show\" in 1987. Although his tenure was short-lived, it solidified his reputation as a quick and reliable broadcaster. He later found success in radio, hosting morning shows in New York and Cleveland.

Mulrooney remained active in the comedy world throughout his life, writing for other comedians and performing on cruise ships and in casinos. He was respected by his peers for his craftsmanship as a joke writer and his ability to work a room in any environment. His material often focused on the absurdities of daily life and his Irish-American upbringing.

He is survived by his wife and children. Fellow comedians have taken to social media to share stories of his mentorship and his undeniable influence on the comedy boom of the 1980s.