John Mulrooney Late-Night Host Death 2026: Legacy of a Comic Turned Cop

A man who spent decades making people laugh in the spotlight finished his final act protecting his community in uniform. John Mulrooney, the legendary stand-up comedian and late-night TV host, has died at the age of 67.

According to the Albany Times-Union, Mulrooney passed away at his home in Coxsackie, N.Y., on December 29, 2025. The news broke on January 1, 2026. While no cause of death's been officially released, his passing marks the end of a truly unique American journey that spanned Hollywood sets and police patrol cars.

John Mulrooney Late-Night Host Death 2026: From Star Search to Late Night

Born in Brooklyn in 1958, Mulrooney's big break came during a stint on Star Search. He didn't win the competition, but he landed a gig in the writers' room, eventually becoming a headliner at top clubs. His sharp wit led him to host Fox's Comic Strip Live and even fill in as a temporary host for The Late Show following Joan Rivers' departure in 1987.

He was revered for his improvisation skills, appearing on An Evening at the Improv and starring in films like Great Balls of Fire. Fellow comedian Andrew Dice Clay paid tribute, calling him the star everyone thought would become a massive household name.

The Comic Who Became a Cop

What makes Mulrooney's story truly viral is his dramatic career pivot. In 2010, he traded his microphone for a badge, joining the Coxsackie Police Department. He served as a dedicated public servant until 2024, proving it's never too late to find a new way to serve.