John Mulaney has checked into rehab for cocaine and alcohol abuse

Comedian enters 60-day program.
December 22, 2020 12:15 p.m. EST
December 22, 2020 12:15 p.m. EST
Getty Images Getty Images

If you needed another reminder that 2020 has been tough on everyone—and is perhaps even moreso during the holiday season, comedian John Mulaney checked into a rehabilitation centre for cocaine and alcohol abuse this week.

On December 21 Page Six reported that the 38-year-old checked into a Pennsylvania facility over the weekend in order to participate in a 60-day recovery program. “John’s friends and family are happy that he’s finally getting some help and focusing on his health,” a source told the publication. “His fans know he’s struggled in the past with sobriety, he has talked about it openly. Unfortunately he has struggled again during the pandemic. He’s on board with his recovery, he’s not fighting against rehab.”

It was only last year that the former SNL writer and upcoming Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers star opened up about his sobriety in an interview with Esquire, revealing that he started drinking as early as 13 years old. “I drank for attention,” he said. “I was really outgoing, and then at twelve, I wasn’t. I didn’t know how to act. And then I was drinking, and I was hilarious again… I never liked smoking pot. Then I tried cocaine, and I loved it. I wasn’t a good athlete, so maybe it was some young male thing of, ‘This is the physical feat I can do. Three Vicodin and a tequila and I’m still standing. Who’s the athlete now?’” he continued.

By the time he was 23, Mulaney was done with it all. “I went on a [weekend-long] bender that was just, like, fading in and out of a movie," he continued. "It was just crazy. A weekend that was... there were... I'm never going to tell you. That's mine. I didn't kill anyone or assault anyone. But yeah, I was like, 'You're f---ing out of control.' And I thought to myself, 'I don't like this guy anymore. I'm not rooting for him.'" he reflected.

Mulaney has been making headlines the past few weeks, first for his hosting gig on Saturday Night Live in November (which he later said prompted an investigation by the Secret Service), and then when he signed on as a writer and performer for Late Night With Seth Meyers. “I cannot stress enough how grateful I am for the job,” Mulaney told Jimmy Kimmel after his hiring. “I like having a boss. I like having assignments to do. When I'm in charge of something… not so much the best thing. I wanted to have a boss and I wanted to have structure because my psychiatrist, who knows me well—he said to me, 'Without external structure, I don't have any confidence in you thriving.'"

At time of press reps for Mulaney have not confirmed that he has entered rehab, but People also independently confirmed the news with sources. Meanwhile Mulaney’s wife, Annamarie Tendler, reportedly deleted her Instagram account days before he went in. The news quickly began trending online, and many celebrities and fellow comedians immediately extended their support and love. 

BEFORE YOU GO: Gal Gadot dishes on her real-life friendship with on-screen nemesis Kristen Wiig

[video_embed id='2104392']BEFORE YOU GO: Gal Gadot dishes on her real-life friendship with on-screen nemesis Kristen Wiig[/video_embed]


You might also like