John Mulaney is a celebrated comedian and writer known for his sharp humor, clean-cut image, and standout work on Saturday Night Live. But behind the laughter was a long struggle with addiction that began in his teenage years and resurfaced during the COVID-19 pandemic. For years, Mulaney kept his substance abuse hidden from the public eye, even as he rose to fame with acclaimed stand-up specials and television appearances.
Mulaney’s story is one of vulnerability, resilience, and the healing that can come from facing the truth. If you or someone you love is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, don't wait. Turn to Avenues Recovery Center for compassionate, professional support on the path to healing.
John Mulaney is an American comedian, writer, and performer known for his sharp wit, self-deprecating humor, and distinct storytelling style. Rising to fame as a writer for Saturday Night Live, where he co-created iconic characters like Stefon with Bill Hader, Mulaney quickly became a standout voice in comedy. His stand-up specials, including New in Town, The Comeback Kid, and the Emmy-winning Kid Gorgeous, have earned him critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. Beyond the stage, he’s lent his voice to beloved animated characters like Andrew in Big Mouth and Spider-Ham in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
But Mulaney's journey hasn’t been all laughs. In 2020, he publicly faced a relapse into addiction, followed by a high-profile intervention and stint in rehab—an experience he later detailed with raw honesty and humor in his 2023 special, Baby J. His willingness to blend comedy with vulnerability has only deepened his audience’s connection to him. Today, with a growing list of film and television projects, a successful Netflix variety show, and a renewed focus on sobriety and fatherhood, Mulaney continues to evolve both personally and professionally, proving that even the darkest chapters can lead to meaningful, often hilarious, reinvention.
What was John Mulaney addicted to? He began drinking at age 13 and quickly progressed to drugs, eventually becoming addicted to cocaine and prescription pills. Though he initially got sober at 23 without formal treatment, the pressures of fame and the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic led to John Mulaney’s relapse in 2020. Friends staged an intervention after alarming behavior and Mulaney entered a 60-day inpatient rehab program, confronting the painful truths he had long tried to outrun.
Following John Mulaney’s rehabilitation, he made sweeping changes: he ended his marriage, began a new relationship with actress Olivia Munn, and welcomed the birth of his son, Malcolm. These shifts, paired with the humility and clarity gained in recovery, helped him rebuild his life from the inside out.
In December 2020, John Mulaney’s close friends staged a life-changing intervention after becoming increasingly concerned about his drug use and erratic behavior. You may wonder, “Who was at John Mulaney’s intervention?” The intervention, held at a friend's apartment, was attended by a group of fellow comedians and longtime friends, including Seth Meyers, Fred Armisen, Nick Kroll, and Natasha Lyonne. Mulaney later described walking into the room and immediately recognizing what was happening, even joking that the presence of so many famous people made it feel more like a “We Are the World” benefit concert. At the time, he was in the grip of a severe relapse, using cocaine, Adderall, Xanax, Klonopin, and other substances.
John Mulaney first went to rehab in September 2020 for alcohol, cocaine, and prescription drug abuse, but he relapsed shortly after. Following an intervention by friends, he entered a 60-day inpatient rehab program in Pennsylvania in December 2020 and completed it in February 2021. The experience was raw, humbling, and deeply personal, but Mulaney confronted it with the same candor and sharp humor that define his work.
According to multiple sources, John Mulaney’s 60-day inpatient stay took place at a specialized facility in Pennsylvania, where he received treatment for alcoholism and multiple drug dependencies, including cocaine and prescription medications. He left rehab around late February 2021 and continued his recovery through outpatient care afterward.
Mulaney completed the full 60-day program and exited rehab in late February 2021, transitioning into outpatient sober living care. Soon after, he began workshopping material in NYC, culminating in the “From Scratch” tour and later his Netflix special Baby J, where he candidly addresses addiction and recovery.
John Mulaney transitioned into sober living in February 2021 immediately after completing his 60‑day inpatient rehab in Pennsylvania. He spent roughly six weeks in a structured sober living facility—separate from rehab but still supportive and communal—before fully reintegrating into everyday life.
During this period, Mulaney took advantage of outpatient programs and relied heavily on the support of loved ones, including close friends and partner Olivia Munn, who notably conducted random drug testing to help maintain accountability. The discipline he cultivated in sober living set the foundation for his return to stand‑up—debuting new material in his “From Scratch” shows in mid‑2021—and laid the groundwork for his ongoing sobriety, which he has credited with allowing him to fully embrace family life and creative pursuits.
Yes, John Mulaney is still sober. In recent interviews, Mulaney has described being “shocked” that his sobriety has remained intact, especially during stressful times like supporting his wife Olivia Munn through her cancer treatment, even handling prescription pain medications for her without any temptation. He emphasizes that while he lives with vigilance, sobriety isn’t a daily fixation — rather, it’s woven into how he chooses to live.
After finishing his 60-day inpatient treatment in December 2020, Mulaney filed for divorce from Anna Marie Tendler in mid‑2021, and the divorce finalized in early 2022. That spring, he began dating actress Olivia Munn. Their bond deepened quickly—they welcomed son Malcolm in November 2021, married in July 2024, and then welcomed daughter Méi June in September 2024 via surrogate. Through it all, Mulaney credits fatherhood—and his role in supporting Olivia during her breast cancer treatment—as central motivators in sustaining his sobriety, allowing him to stay grounded and committed to both family and recovery.
Addiction is a powerful and often devastating condition that affects not only the individual but also their loved ones. Whether it’s drugs, alcohol, or other harmful behaviors, addiction can take control of a person’s life—damaging their health, relationships, and sense of purpose. But recovery is possible, and it begins with the right support. Avenues Recovery offers compassionate, comprehensive care tailored to each person’s unique journey. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, don’t wait. Reach out to Avenues Recovery today and take the first step toward healing.