Remembering John Mulrooney: Comedian, Actor, and Police Officer

John Mulrooney, a prominent stand-up comedian, actor, and radio personality, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Coxsackie, New York, on December 29, 2025, at the age of 67. The cause of death has not been disclosed. Born on August 27, 1958, in Brooklyn, New York, Mulrooney began his comedy career in the early 1980s at venues such as Pips Comedy Club and Dangerfield’s, eventually performing at renowned locations like The Improv and The Laugh Factory.

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Mulrooney's career spanned several decades, during which he showcased his talent on various platforms. He briefly hosted Fox's The Late Show in 1987, stepping in for Joan Rivers, and later hosted Comic Strip Live, a show that aired nationally. He also made appearances on HBO, Showtime, and Comedy Central, and acted in the film Great Balls of Fire alongside Dennis Quaid. In addition to his television and film work, Mulrooney was a dedicated radio host, co-hosting shows in Albany and New York City, including “Mulrooney in the Morning” on iHeartRadio.

Deadline HollywoodJohn Mulrooney Dies: TV Actor & Comedian Was 67Hollywood Reporter

His improvisational skills and ability to engage audiences were widely recognized. Comedian Andrew Dice Clay noted Mulrooney's unique talent for crowd work, stating, “Crowd Work was his thing long before it became a thing.” Mulrooney himself likened performing to cooking, viewing the audience as a “spice rack” for his comedic creations.

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In 2010, at the age of 52, Mulrooney joined the Coxsackie Police Department, where he served until 2024. His dual career as a comedian and police officer inspired a pilot for a reality show titled Comedy Cop, which aimed to highlight his experiences in law enforcement. Mulrooney was also known for performing for U.S. troops overseas, which his family described as one of his proudest achievements.

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His family stated, “He will be remembered as much for being a loyal friend to countless people as for the laughter he brought to a multitude of strangers.” Friends and colleagues have shared tributes, emphasizing his dedication to both comedy and community service.

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Andrew Dice Clay expressed his admiration for Mulrooney, stating, “He never gave up, he never stopped trying, which is what it’s all about in my book.” His family has requested that donations in his memory be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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Visitation for John Mulrooney will be held at Casey Funeral Home in Staten Island on January 4, 2026, from 2-6 p.m., with his funeral scheduled for January 5 at the Church of the Holy Family in New York at 10:30 a.m. His passing marks the end of a significant chapter in the lives of those who knew him and the audiences he entertained.

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