LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Much-adored comedian and ex-writer for 'Saturday Night Live' John Mulaney has once again captured the affection of his global fan base. During a recent appearance on 'The Late Show' with Stephen Colbert, the 41-year-old bravely shared his personal battle with addiction.
Mulaney’s heartfelt discussion about his path to sobriety was deeply touching and motivational. He recounted his encounters with substance misuse, the obstacles he overcame, and the measures he undertook to recover.
His frankness about such a personal matter has struck a chord with many, prompting a wave of endorsement and respect from admirers and peers in comedy.
What happened to John Mulaney?
Mulaney has openly shared his battles with substance abuse on stage. He revealed in a 2014 interview that he had been sober since September 22, 2005.
However, in December 2020, he apparently checked into a drug rehabilitation center in Pennsylvania to address issues with alcoholism, cocaine addiction, and prescription drug abuse, per Chicago Sun Times. He reportedly transitioned to outpatient care in February 2021.
When Mulaney made his TV debut in 2021, he revealed that he had entered a treatment center in September 2020, left the program, hosted 'Saturday Night Live' in October, and then relapsed following the broadcast.
Friends including Seth Meyers, Fred Armisen, Bill Hader, Nick Kroll, and Natasha Lyonne staged an intervention for Mulaney before his rehab stint in December 2020.
In May 2021, it was announced that Mulaney and his wife Tendler were separating. The star applied for divorce in July of the same year, per People.
In September 2021, the former writer shared the news that he and actress Olivia Munn were expecting a child. They welcomed a boy named Malcolm on November 24, 2021.
"I went to rehab in September, I got out in October, I moved out of my home from my ex-wife," Mulaney stated. "Then in the spring I went to Los Angeles and met and started to date a wonderful woman named Olivia," as cited by CNN.
The divorce between Mulaney and Tendler was finalized in January 2022.
What did John Mulaney reveal on the show to Stephen Colbert?
John Mulaney conveyed his appreciation for the support and motivation he received during a difficult period in his life. He candidly discussed his journey through relapse and recovery, providing insight into his personal battles with addiction in his extended interview with Colbert.
The host warmly greeted Mulaney, expressing his deep fondness for him. However, he acknowledged that this was their first in-person conversation, especially in a public setting, since Mulaney’s "set yourself on fire and ran into traffic" moment.
Colbert noted that such actions usually don’t end well for people. Despite this, he observed that Mulaney appeared to be doing well and inquired about his current state.
The 'John Mulaney: Baby J' star responded that he appreciated the concern and added that's a "Richard Pryor reference but to those not acquainted with it you just sounded really hostile like a sick burn on my own Journey."
"Yes since I last saw you I've been in a couple of drug rehabs," continued the star. He later added that he has been "this December sober three years," and thanked the cheering crowd.
"I welcomed a wonderful baby boy into the world with my girlfriend Olivia, and uh I'm back."
Mulaney expressed his joy of meeting Colbert and said the host apparently "texted" him sometime when the comedian was "going through a lot."
"And it meant a lot to me because uh I don't mean like I worried what you thought of me as if you wouldn't uh have compassion for someone in that situation but your opinion means a lot to me."
Late in his interview, Mulaney shared some personal insights with Colbert. He described himself as a "happy person" but admitted that he had, for some reason, placed numerous obstacles "in my own way."
These self-imposed hurdles have occasionally left him feeling "pretty roughed up, pretty disoriented, and pretty unhappy."
He further stated, "But I am at my core a happy person and it's okay for me to protect that by living the life I want to live. I am very lucky, I have a very good life and I don't want to be the reason that gets me complicated."
John Mulaney wins fans' hearts
Supporters gathered in the YouTube comments section to voice their respect for Mulaney’s courage and sincerity. Many were moved to share their own personal battles, motivated by Mulaney’s readiness to discuss his experiences openly.
A fan commented, "This was such a genuinely awesome conversation." "This is a real human interaction, from the heart," said another.
Another fan wrote, "What a wonderful interview. I'd love to see Stephen do that more often. And kudos to John for his recovery."
Another user mentioned, "John and I have basically gotten sober at the same time so I am always intently following that story whenever it's on latenight."
"Jon has gained a certain humility that makes him even more lovable. Been praying for him a long time and will continue," stated a fan.
One person praised Mulaney's appearance and said, "Wonderful conversation. Love John's new look."
