Despite their initial unfamiliarity, the couple has come together to support each other through significant life changes. In the early days of their relationship, actress Olivia Munn and comedian John Mulaney faced unexpected challenges. Munn admitted that she "barely knew" Mulaney when she discovered she was pregnant.
- John Mulaney's wife Olivia Munn opens up
- THIS is how she handled his addictions
- The couple are new parents
Unplanned Pregnancy and Commitment
"It wasn’t anything close to ‘dating,’" Munn told 'GQ' of the start of their relationship in 2021. Then, she got pregnant, and Mulaney expressed his intent to be present in the child's life. "It wasn’t necessarily ‘We’re going to be married and live together’ or any of that, but it was ‘I will be involved in some way.’"
Mulaney expressed his commitment to being involved in their child's life, even though the couple lived on opposite sides of the country. The relationship was not initially about marriage or living together, but rather about co-parenting and mutual support.
"It was like watching a man in a tsunami," Munn shared of her now-husband's sobriety journey after leaving rehab for the second time. "I was watching someone newly sober, at the edge of a cliff, and I didn’t know him well enough to help him."
"In my head, I’m thinking, I don’t know really what’s happening with this guy. It feels pretty shaky," Munn admitted. "But then I would see him at the Troubadour and be like, ‘Man, he’s on fire. He’s just that phenomenal.’"
Mulaney's journey to sobriety was a significant aspect of their relationship. In September 2020, he entered rehab for addiction to pharmaceutical drugs and cocaine.
This period was tumultuous, as he split from his wife, Anna Marie Tendler, and relapsed three months later. Munn, witnessing his struggles, described it as "like watching a man in a tsunami." Despite her limited knowledge of him, she observed his performances and saw his potential.
Munn became more involved in Mulaney's sobriety journey during her pregnancy. She staged a small intervention and decided to administer random drug tests, a practice that Mulaney embraced. "It’s like a relief," he said about the tests, finding confidence in the process. Their relationship became more official two months before the birth of their son, Malcolm.
Mulaney told Munn of his fears of relapsing, although the baby news did not seem to be a factor. "That’s the one thing that made him seem light and happy. I remember he was really excited to tell his parents," Munn shared.
In 2023, Munn faced a personal health crisis with a breast cancer diagnosis, undergoing multiple surgeries, including a double mastectomy and hysterectomy. Mulaney's support during this time was invaluable. Munn expressed her gratitude, saying, "It would’ve felt like climbing an iceberg without him."
An ongoing crisis getting resolved
John Mulaney’s struggles with substance abuse have been a significant part of his personal story, one he has openly addressed in his comedy and public life. Mulaney, known for his sharp wit and clean, observational humor, had long struggled with addiction, particularly to cocaine and alcohol.
His issues with substance abuse started in his younger years, and though he achieved considerable success as a writer, comedian, and actor, they continued to affect him in private.
In December 2020, Mulaney made headlines when he checked into a rehabilitation facility for his addiction, marking a public acknowledgment of his struggle. He later spoke about his experience in interviews and stand-up specials, emphasizing the seriousness of his battle with drugs and alcohol.
Mulaney’s candidness about his recovery journey resonated with many fans, showing that even those who appear to have it all together can face significant personal challenges. He also shared how his support system, including friends, family, and fellow comedians, played a crucial role in his recovery.
Since his time in rehab, Mulaney has worked to rebuild his life, and his honesty about his struggles has added a layer of depth to his comedic persona, blending humor with a poignant message about addiction, mental health, and redemption.
Also interesting:
Hollywood’s Beloved Duo
An emotional special
Mulaney balanced his role as a hands-on father with supporting Munn through her medical journey. The couple welcomed their daughter, Méi June, via surrogate in September, adding another layer to their shared experiences.
