How John Mulaney’s Life Has Changed Since Becoming a Dad

How John Mulaney's Life Has Changed Since Becoming a Dad

As a seasoned observer of celebrity lives, I must say that the journey of Olivia Munn and John Mulaney has been nothing short of heartwarming to witness. The couple, with their shared humor and newfound parenthood, seems to have found a perfect balance between laughter and love.


John Mulaney was never much of an outdoorsman. Quite the opposite, in fact.

In a May 2022 episode of “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend,” the comedian joked about being uninterested in things outside. He went on to say that he wasn’t someone who enjoyed nature, and he certainly wasn’t the type to spend time in the backyard. Instead, he identified himself as an indoor person.

Previously, he hadn’t given much thought to nature. However, since becoming a father with his wife, Olivia Munn, as they announced on September 22, they have a new addition to their family – daughter Méi June Mulaney, born through a surrogate. This makes 2-year-old Malcolm the big brother.

Mulaney described to Conan O’Brien around half a year after his son’s birth how it was similar to watching a movie with someone who hasn’t seen it before, experiencing the world through Malcolm’s eyes. He said that when they were out together, he felt joyful, seeing things as if for the first time. Malcolm would look up in wonder at trees and other sights, exclaiming “trees and stuff!” Sometimes, Malcolm would lie on a blanket in the backyard, kicking his arms and legs in delight, gazing at the trees overhead.

He is my child and I adore him deeply,” the Oh, Hello star went on to say, “not only that, but I am utterly captivated by him. It brings me joy to witness his exploration of the world, and discover what sights, sounds, colors, and volumes trigger his laughter – as well as moments where he gives those expressions, like ‘Really?’ or ‘Could you tone it down a bit?’

Setting aside my usual self-deprecating tone, John Mulaney has experienced quite a remarkable transformation over the past few years, both personally and professionally. He parted ways with his former spouse, Anna Marie Tendler, in 2021, entered into a new marriage with Olivia Munn in a private New York ceremony in July 2024, after three years together, and navigated the challenges of juggling late-night parenting and performing duties.

2022 saw the “From Scratch” tour of his landing in various locations across the United States, such as the Hollywood Bowl and a run of three consecutive sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden.

How John Mulaney's Life Has Changed Since Becoming a Dad

On the May-recorded episode of Dana Carvey and David Spade’s podcast, Fly on the Wall, Mulaney humorously expressed his gratitude that cocaine and arenas never coincided. He exclaimed, “Oh my goodness, I’m only realizing now – what a catastrophe that would have been!

Back in September 2020, the legendary Saturday Night Live star, who’d been open about his past struggles with drugs and alcohol, admitted himself to rehab for a month. Unfortunately, he slipped up and relapsed in November 2020. Since then, my dearest friend Seth Meyers, along with other beloved figures in his life, stepped in to organize an intervention and get him back into treatment in December. I’ve been following this journey closely, hoping for the best for one of my favorite comedians.

In his conversation with Carvey and Spade, Mulaney reflected, “I’ve experienced a great deal of anxiety throughout life, and the substances that alleviate that can be highly addictive.” He added, “I believe addiction is a condition, and I feel like there’s a part of me that says ‘Let’s try more, let’s try more!’ – it’s as if something in my brain does this…However, it wasn’t the tale of someone who was bound to self-destruct. Life, simply, became challenging.

He left rehab in February 2021 after 60 days and then stayed in a sober living facility for another 30. Also that spring, he confirmed the end of his six-year marriage to Tendler and started dating Munn, telling Meyers in his first post-treatment Late Night appearance in September 2021, “She got to date me right out of recovery, which is what they call a reverse catch.”

In May 2021, Mulaney returned to the stage after having questioned his ability to handle life and even doubted if he would ever perform standup again. Yet, there was an eager audience waiting to hear his material. One critic described it as “open, vulnerable, and dark,” a label that resonated with Mulaney as he shared with O’Brien, “I was just recently institutionalized.

Every moment feels like a dream come true, I couldn’t help but share this excitement with my mom when she expressed her worries about the pressure. ‘This is more than just a release,’ I told her, ‘It’s pure joy! It’s like nothing else matters right now.’ It’s simply exhilarating!

He mentioned that it was particularly delightful, given the difficult times not only for himself but also for many others over the past few years, to see people visiting him now.

How John Mulaney's Life Has Changed Since Becoming a Dad

As I embark on an epic cross-country journey, my little one, captivated by the vast sky above and gripping his tiny fists, joins me every step of the way. Despite appearances, this adventurous spirit and tender care for a budding stargazer go hand in hand as we explore new horizons together.

“Home is wherever we are together,” he told Carvey and Spade.

Back in June 2022, while tuned in to Late Night With Seth Meyers, I caught a glimpse of a picture that left me utterly captivated – a snapshot of the host and my beloved funny man, John Mulaney, at an airport. His son, sporting sunglasses, noise-cancelling headphones, and a “what’s-going-on” expression, was being carried by none other than Mulaney himself. The comedian quipped, “This looks like a body-swapping movie – in 2020, I somehow ended up inside a baby’s body!” Such a witty remark, I couldn’t help but chuckle and think, “Now that’s a trick to get a star to go to rehab!

Mulaney praised his son Malcolm, who was only 7 months old at the time, as an exceptional “touring pro,” during a conversation. Malcolm even graced the stage of 30 Rock when Mulaney hosted Saturday Night Live for the fifth time. The little one seemed to relish tour life; he enjoyed Saratoga Springs and the Westin in Buffalo, particularly their simulated fireplaces with glowing rocks, where he would sit contentedly.

When asked if the ongoing baby formula shortage had impacted them, Mulaney quipped that when Munn was limited to purchasing only four cans of Enfamil at Target, it triggered his old habits of trying to find ways around such restrictions: “So you’re saying we need to outsmart a store? That sounds like an opportunity for some creative shopping!

After expressing doubt about whether the Amazon order was genuine, he decided to check by opening the bag, sampling a bit with his finger, and exclaiming, “Yes, this is authentic Enfamil…it feels great!

How John Mulaney's Life Has Changed Since Becoming a Dad

According to a post on Instagram in August 2022 by Munn, Malcolm was experiencing teething symptoms at around nine months old. She indicated to her friends that she would return to normal life once he had a breakthrough with his teeth.

The “Tales of the Walking Dead” star labeled a video of herself enduring a “teething tunnel nightmare,” explaining that she was sending a group message to those she hadn’t yet replied to. Essentially, she promised to respond as soon as her baby’s tooth finally erupted.

Munn and Mulaney both post numerous pictures on their individual accounts, yet they’re well aware that Instagram parenting isn’t without its shadows.

On the show “Fly on the Wall,” Mulaney jokingly suggested as a caption, “If you have any parenting advice, feel free to share in the comments. I’m considering feeding my 6-month-old some pork sausage and dairy, and would appreciate your thoughts!

How John Mulaney's Life Has Changed Since Becoming a Dad

But regardless of any unsolicited advice they might get, both Mommy and Daddy have sung the praises of Malcolm’s social skills, his epic curiosity and his capacity to just chill on the sofa for a good binge-watch.

In a post from May 2022, Munn shared that the baby adores socializing with others, has a special bond with his best friend Penny who makes him laugh, has tried peanut butter, sleeps soundly for twelve hours straight during the night, wakes up from naps with a radiant smile and chuckle, enjoys storytime immensely as he lets out excited squeals and kicks his legs when daddy arrives home, he finds bathtime incredibly joyful, and loves spending time outside to gaze at trees and the sky.

After Malcolm started holding his head on his own, Mulaney mentioned to O’Brien that he now had someone to watch “Bosch” with. The comic raved about him, saying, “He’s a great companion!” Now, I can lean him against the couch because his neck is strong…I simply placed him next to me, and it felt like he was watching “Bosch” himself.

But really, any time spent with Malcolm is the best time.

“If he’s good,” Mulaney said, “I’m good.'”

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2024-09-23 20:20