Kevin Rooney, a stand-up comedian and writer for “Dennis Miller Live” who won two Emmy awards, passed away on July 19 at his home from complications related to diabetes and end-stage renal failure. Age-wise, Kevin was 71 years old. Jay Mandyam, Rooney’s colleague, has verified his passing.
According to a statement released by Mandyam, “He was a polished raconteur and was a modern-day H.L. Mencken or Schopenhauer.” While others may have found him grumpy, you could always count on him to be the most generous and compassionate person in the room.
Who was Kevin Rooney? (Wiki, Age)
Before joining the military, Rooney briefly studied at Lawrence College in the 1970s. A pitcher of beer was poured over his head at the end of his first stand-up show in Washington, D.C., in 1977, marking the beginning of his comic career. Afterward, Rooney pursued a degree in education at UMass Amherst.
After relocating to New York City and later Los Angeles, Rooney returned to stand-up and became a regular at The Improv. After meeting Jay Leno there, he began working with him on “Late Night With David Letterman” for the “what’s my beef” parts. Furthermore, Rooney was hired by Leno to pen his stand-up special, “Jay Leno and the American Dream.”
All through the 20th century, Rooney kept up his stand-up routine, making appearances on shows including “The Tonight Show,” “Late Night,” and “The A-List.” Writer’s room work included “The Golden Palace,” “The Naked Truth,” “Boston Common,” “My Wife and Kids,” “Brothers,” and “‘Till death.”
Rooney has won two Emmy awards in a row for his work on “Dennis Miller Live” on HBO. In addition, he helped guide the careers of numerous burgeoning comedians, including Judd Apatow.
“Kevin Rooney was an extremely witty comedian, writer, and political satirist who passed away recently. More significantly, he was a wonderful friend and helpful mentor to many people in our community,” Apatow said.
Rooney wed the performer and artist Carole Raphaelle Davis in the late ’90s. They spend time in both Nice, France, and Hollywood Hills. They were a formidable team in the fight for animal rights.
Even in his last few years, Rooney never broke his routine of writing every day. According to Mandyam’s account, he had a strong aversion to hypocrites and to former President Donald J. Trump. Davis, his sister Rebecca, his brother Matthew, and their dogs Bugsy and Micheline, are all left behind by Rooney’s passing.
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