Unveiling John Mulaney's Unfiltered Journey to Conquer Addiction and Find Redemption

John Mulaney is embracing honesty as he opens up about his battle with addiction and his ongoing efforts to maintain sobriety.

In his 2012 comedy special, New in Town, Mulaney shared the reasons behind his decision to quit drinking several years ago. He humorously admitted, "I used to have a bit of a drinking problem. I would often drink to excess and end up blacking out, causing chaos at parties, or so I'm told." He further joked, "When you consistently black out from drinking and engage in erratic behavior, you start to feel like Michael Jackson. You become uncertain about the truthfulness of any story told about you, and even you yourself can't remember what actually happened in the end."

In 2014, Mulaney disclosed that he had maintained sobriety since September 2005. Nevertheless, in December 2020, he made the voluntary decision to enter a rehabilitation facility to address his struggles with alcoholism and cocaine addiction.

According to a source, Mulaney's decision to seek professional assistance and check into rehab was a relief for his wife and family. They stated that Mulaney has always been committed to his sobriety, and although his relapse was difficult, his choice to seek help ultimately saved his life.

The comedian completed his rehab program in February 2021. In May of the same year, it was confirmed by Us that he had separated from his wife Anna Marie Tendler, and shortly after, his relationship with Olivia Munn was also confirmed. Their son, Malcolm, was born in November 2021.

Keep scrolling to read more of Mulaney's candid statements about his struggle with addiction and his path to recovery.

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John Mulaney's Most Candid Quotes About His Addiction and Recovery Through the Years

John Mulaney is choosing honesty when it comes to sharing his struggle with addiction and his attempts to stay sober.

In his 2012 comedy special, New in Town, Mulaney humorously shared his decision to quit drinking many years ago. He jokingly mentioned how excessive drinking and subsequent blackouts would result in him "ruining" parties, according to others. He compared the experience of blacking out and engaging in wild behavior to becoming like Michael Jackson, where any story about you could be true, even if you're unaware of it.

Back in 2014, Mulaney disclosed that he had been sober since September 2005. However, in December 2020, he made the voluntary choice to enter rehab for alcoholism and cocaine addiction.

According to a source, checking into rehab was a significant relief for John's wife and family. It was reassuring for them to know that he sought professional help, as he has always been committed to his sobriety. Although the relapse was challenging, it was ultimately his decision to go to rehab, which ultimately saved his life.

After leaving rehab in February 2021, the comedian's split from his wife Anna Marie Tendler was confirmed by Us in May. Shortly after, his relationship with Olivia Munn was also confirmed. The couple welcomed their son Malcolm in November 2021.

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Scroll down for more of Mulaney's honest quotes about his addiction journey and the road to recovery:

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Putting It All Out There

Mulaney disclosed, "Abstaining from alcohol is my current lifestyle choice. In the past, I indulged excessively, leading me to make the conscious decision to cease consumption." During his 2012 comedy special, New in Town, he humorously remarked, "The revelation often bewilders the audience due to my appearance that doesn't suggest a former affinity for such behavior."

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An Act

In 2018, the comedian explained how he hid his struggles from his parents growing up.

"I maintained a façade. They were aware that I might attend parties and consume beer or similar substances. They possessed an understanding of high school parties and were not foolish," he stated in an Off Camera interview. "However, if I ever dabbled in drugs at a young age, I knew I had to keep up appearances. I would enter the house under the influence of mushrooms and smoothly announce, 'Greetings, good evening, I shall be upstairs,' before hastily running up."

Mulaney remembers being extremely cautious about his behavior in front of his loved ones, ensuring they remained oblivious to the deeper issues he was grappling with.

"I was determined to maintain high grades and project a polished image," he explained at that time. "I never indulged in smoking marijuana. I was perceived as someone who was uptight, striving for academic success, and eager for approval from my teachers. I wanted to be involved in various activities and had concerns about college and other aspects of my daily life. Although college wasn't my primary worry, I still had apprehensions. However, on weekends, I would go all out with drinking, resembling Keith Moon, and even experimented with Ambien just to see its effects."

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The Beginning

Mulaney explained to Esquire in September 2019 that he began drinking in order to seek attention. He had always been an outgoing individual, but at the age of 12, he experienced a change in his behavior and didn't know how to act anymore. However, with the aid of alcohol, Mulaney regained his sense of humor and became funny once again. He also disclosed that his drinking habit commenced at the age of 13, and although he refrained from smoking marijuana, he did indulge in cocaine and various prescription drugs.

"I lacked athletic prowess, so perhaps it appealed to my youthful male instincts to see myself capable of this physical accomplishment," he stated. "Three Vicodin and a splash of tequila later, I remained resolute. Who can question my athleticism now?"

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Getting Help

In September 2019, during an interview with Esquire, he disclosed that the weekend when he went on a wild binge felt like being caught in a flickering movie. He further explained his choice to embrace sobriety at the age of 23, stating that the experience was incredibly intense. Although he elected not to share the exact details of that particular weekend, he affirmed that no harm was caused to others. Nonetheless, he realized that he had become someone he no longer liked or supported, leading him to abandon that version of himself. It's important to note that during that time he did not seek assistance through a recovery program, yet he has managed to maintain his sobriety since the incident in 2005.

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The Intervention

After seeking treatment following his 2020 relapse, Mulaney described the moment he was confronted by friends about finally getting help.

"When I walked through the door, it was immediately evident that it was an intervention," he stated during his appearance on Late Night With Seth Meyers in September 2021. "Such was the severity of my drug problem that the moment I saw the faces of those present, I instinctively understood that this gathering was most likely centered around addressing my drug addiction."

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Coping With Humor

While speaking to Meyers in September 2021, Mulaney remembered trying to talk his way out of going to rehab.

"God, I had this desperate need to be the most intelligent person in the room, even during the intervention," he recounted, reflecting on how Meyers had aided him during his lowest point. "I specifically recall telling all of you, 'Before you read your letters, I have a drug problem, and I require assistance.' I did this as a way to upstage you all... I persistently claimed to be sober during the intervention. Do you remember when I looked at everyone and declared, 'I'm currently sober. I'm completely sober right now'? The truth is, I wasn't. Do you also remember how I kept excusing myself to the bathroom? It was to use drugs."

Although it wasn't his original intention, Mulaney expressed gratitude towards Meyers for being there and initiating his journey towards sobriety.

"I had no desire for an intervention... In that particular moment, my only goal was to keep indulging in drugs," he emphasized. "As I sit here this evening, I cannot express enough gratitude towards you and all those present for rescuing my life, alright? However, during that night, any sense of gratitude was absent."

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New Chapter

In September 2021, Mulaney enthusiastically shared news about his romantic involvement with Munn, revealing that they were anticipating the arrival of their first child. "During spring, I had the pleasure of meeting and entering into a relationship with an incredible woman named Olivia," he explained. "She had the unique opportunity to date me as I emerged from recovery, commonly referred to as a reverse catch."

The Netflix star experienced immense joy due to the significant assistance provided by the New Girl alum in his personal growth. "I entered this relationship, and it has been truly extraordinary with a remarkable individual," he expressed. "And she has been my unwavering support throughout that challenging period. It is incredibly fortunate to have crossed paths with this exceptional woman."

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A New Milestone

While hosting SNL for the fifth time in February 2022, Mulaney provided further insight into his decision to become sober.

"I am extremely grateful to be here tonight, especially after the challenges I have faced throughout the past year. Being in an environment that has always prioritized sobriety and mental health feels truly wonderful," he expressed, alluding to his intervention in December 2020. "It's quite eye-opening when you open a door and see a group of people gathered, and your immediate thought is that they are probably there for an intervention regarding your drug problem. That speaks volumes about the severity of the issue."

After sharing a humorous anecdote about parting ways with his drug dealer, the stand-up comedian enthusiastically talked about his son. Recalling the moment of childbirth in the delivery room, he shared how his girlfriend had just given birth and their newborn was crying softly. The medical staff then placed the baby on a warmer on the opposite side of the room, right under a bright light. Illuminated by the intense glare, the comedian's son gazed up at the light and squinted in annoyance. Despite his evident displeasure, the little one remained silent, demonstrating remarkable politeness and composure in an uncomfortable situation. To the comedian's delight, he proudly declared, "That's my son. A well-behaved gentleman even in the face of discomfort. He truly is an exceptional boy."

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Coincidences

In April 2023, Mulaney disclosed that he had visited his drug dealer's residence prior to participating in his unexpected intervention. "I have finally achieved the perfect balance," he proclaimed during an episode of the "This Past Weekend with Theo Von" podcast. "One pocket dedicated to cocaine exclusively. Another pocket strictly allocated for Xanax. At last, I have accomplished my goal. I have attained equilibrium."

Upon arriving at his home and seeing a gathering of people, he adamantly declared that he had abstained from using drugs for several days. "Look, I'm completely sober. Just look at me right now," Mulaney reiterated.

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Netflix Special Revelations

In his April 2023 Netflix special John Mulaney: Baby J, Mulaney shared details about his high-profile intervention. He humorously remarked, "You know you have a serious drug problem when you open a door and immediately think, 'This must be an intervention about my drug problem.'"

Notably, the intervention was attended by renowned comedians such as Bill Hader, Nick Kroll, Fred Armisen, and Natasha Lyonne. However, Mulaney disclosed that they had all made a pact not to tell jokes during the intervention. Describing the experience as "maddening," he expressed his frustration, "I was going insane. Sitting in an uncomfortable chair, coming down from cocaine, and not being allowed to use the bathroom, while the funniest people in the world stared at me, refusing to crack jokes."

Although initially feeling "powerless" and "very angry" as a result of the intervention, Mulaney expressed gratitude for all those who participated, affirming that they "totally saved my life."

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Self-Reflection

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In an appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert in October 2023, Mulaney celebrated a significant milestone of nearly three years of sobriety after a relapse. Reflecting on his struggles, when asked about his lessons learned, he expressed, "I have discovered that I am inherently a happy individual. However, I have unintentionally introduced various hurdles in my own path, leaving me occasionally disoriented and discontented. Nonetheless, safeguarding my happiness is essential, and I am entitled to live the life I truly desire. I do not desire to complicate my existence."

Anna Marie Tendler

John Mulaney