In a recent interview with GQ, John Mulaney discussed his journey through fatherhood and sobriety, revealing that he and his wife, Olivia Munn, implemented a system of random drug tests during her first pregnancy. This was Mulaney's idea to help him stay sober, especially after their son, Malcolm, was born in November 2021. Mulaney explained that taking the tests gave him a sense of relief and confidence, helping to remove any doubt about his sobriety and reassuring Munn and others in his life.
Mulaney, who has been open about his struggles with drug addiction, relapsed in late 2020 and entered rehab. This difficult period also saw him separate from his wife of six years, Anna Marie Tendler, and quickly enter a relationship with Munn, which sparked intense media attention. Despite the tabloid frenzy, Mulaney reflected on this time as feeling distant and focused on his personal recovery rather than the public scrutiny surrounding his life.
When Mulaney learned he was going to be a father, his relationship with Munn was still new and uncharted. Munn shared that upon discovering her pregnancy, it wasn’t about marriage or long-term plans but simply about being involved. Mulaney’s recovery process was tough, and Munn described it as “watching a man in a tsunami,” unsure of how to help him, but they ultimately decided to raise their son together as a couple.
In September, the couple welcomed their second child, a daughter named Mei, via surrogate. Mulaney’s return to Saturday Night Live this month marked his sixth time hosting, and during his monologue, he humorously addressed his journey through fatherhood, his struggles with addiction, and the tabloid buzz surrounding his relationship with Munn. His comedy continued to shine, offering light moments during an otherwise emotional period in his life.
A particularly memorable moment in his SNL monologue came when Mulaney recalled a phone call with his father while he was in rehab. His dad, emotional, said, “I just wish grandpa were here.” Mulaney’s comedic response was classic: “Dad, if grandpa were here, he’d be 118 years old, and I highly doubt he’d have good advice about handling social media backlash.”
Mulaney's ability to laugh at himself, even in difficult moments, has earned him a deep connection with fans. Despite facing addiction, navigating fatherhood, and enduring the challenges of public scrutiny, he continues to be a relatable and beloved figure. His humor and honesty about his personal struggles make him an inspiration, showing that even in the hardest times, humor can be a powerful tool for coping and growth.