John Mulaney’s Journey to Recovery: How Olivia Munn’s “Mini Intervention” Changed Everything
2024-11-12
Author: Jacob
John Mulaney's life has experienced a remarkable transformation, and at the heart of that change is his relationship with actress Olivia Munn. In a candid cover story for GQ's 29th Annual Men of the Year issue, Mulaney opened up about his past struggles with addiction and how Munn has been a pivotal support during his recovery.
The 42-year-old comedian described his former drug habits as "exhausting," explaining how his dependency on substances like Klonopin and Xanax had become a necessary part of his routine. “There was a time when I would have told you that I could not fly, sleep, or perform unless I had Klonopin,” he revealed, illustrating the extent of his struggles.
He shared a harrowing story of a night spent in his New York City apartment where he consumed enough cocaine to make him fear for his life, saying, “I thought, 'Okay, this is insane. I'm going to totally slow down.' That was like a Tuesday. And Thursday night, I did it again.” This pattern continued until Mulaney realized he needed a change and entered rehab in 2020, amidst a tumultuous period that included a divorce from his wife Anna Marie Tendler.
Amidst his recovery journey, Munn entered the picture. At just six months pregnant, she didn’t hesitate to step in and help Mulaney navigate his sobriety.“I staged a 'mini-intervention' on him,” she recounted, emphasizing the urgency she felt in supporting him through this challenging time. The two of them agreed that Munn would conduct random drug tests, a practice that has provided Mulaney with a sense of relief and accountability.
“Something about peeing in that cup is like, I'm walking this walk. It gives me confidence,” Mulaney stated regarding the tests. Their commitment to each other has allowed them to build a stable family life—they welcomed their son, Malcolm, in November 2021, and recently announced the birth of their second child, a daughter named Méi, via surrogate.
Mulaney has also praised his connection with Munn’s Vietnamese-American family, characterizing it as incredibly enriching. He noted, "They love the same movies. They love the same Vietnamese gossip," highlighting how seamlessly he has integrated into their family.
In July, Mulaney and Munn tied the knot in a private ceremony officiated by Sam Waterson, further solidifying their bond during a challenging period for Munn. In March 2024, she publicly revealed her breast cancer diagnosis, which she had learned a year earlier. Throughout her battle with the illness, she has expressed immense gratitude for Mulaney and their children, crediting their support as a crucial part of her journey.
John Mulaney’s story is not just about overcoming addiction; it’s also a testament to the power of love and support in the face of life’s darkest moments.