Mitzi McCall, Comedian, Sitcom Writer and Half of the Comedy Duo McCall and Brill, Dies at 93

As a seasoned movie buff who has witnessed the evolution of comedy and television over the past few decades, I can confidently say that Mitzi McCall was not just a trailblazer, but a titan of her craft. Born in Pittsburgh, a city known more for its steel mills than its comedians, she defied expectations and carved out an extraordinary career that spanned seven decades.

As a devoted film enthusiast, I sadly bid farewell to Mitzi McCall, a groundbreaking comedian and actress who, alongside her partner Brill, left an indelible mark on comedy. On Thursday, she took her final bow at the age of 93 in Burbank.

September 9, 1930 saw the birth of a woman in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her innate comic abilities were apparent from an early age, laying the foundation for a remarkable career that extended across seven decades. She became a powerful figure in the world of comedy, traditionally dominated by men, and served as an inspirational trailblazer for upcoming generations of female comedians.

McCall’s most lasting impact may be attributed to her collaborations with her husband, Charlie Brill, in their comedy act “McCall and Brill.” They were frequent guests on various TV shows, such as variety series, and they even made a significant impression on “The Ed Sullivan Show” when it hosted The Beatles during their American debut in 1964. This performance has since been etched into television lore.

Mitzi’s professional journey kicked off in the late 40s when she made her stage debut at the Pittsburgh Playhouse in the play “Strange Bedfellows,” which was in 1948. In the early 50s, she took on the role of host for Kiddie Castle, a children’s program airing on KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh. This helped her solidify her reputation as an adaptable and captivating performer. By 1953, she had moved to San Diego, California, where she became a featured performer on Studio 10 on KGTV.

She made guest appearances on various TV series, including “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In,” “Life Goes On,” “Silk Stalkings,” “Seinfeld,” “Roseanne,” “Dharma and Greg,” “Becker,” “The Twilight Zone,” and “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.”

Beyond her television appearances, McCall also thrived in voice acting roles. She breathed life into various characters from shows like “Snorks,” “Mother Goose and Grimm,” “The Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm Show,” “The Flintstones” and “The Jetsons.” Additionally, she voiced the character Glyptodon in the animated film “Ice Age.”

McCall’s acting journey encompassed parts in movies like “The White Palace”, “The Cry Baby Killer”, “Machine-Gun Kelly”, “War of the Satellites” and “Young at Heart”. She shared screen time with iconic figures in entertainment, including Jerry Lewis, Dean Martin, and Robin Williams.

Apart from her on-screen roles, McCall was equally gifted as a screenwriter, penning episodes for hit TV series such as “Eight is Enough,” “One Day at a Time,” “Alf,” and “Charles in Charge.” Moreover, she was admired and respected by many within the industry for her nurturing spirit, often serving as a mentor and beacon of light. Her publicist described her as radiating “warmth, generosity, and constant encouragement towards her fellow actors.”

She provided coaching and motivation to numerous individuals within the entertainment field, helping to foster the upcoming wave of entertainers.

She’s left behind by her longtime spouse, Charlie Brill, who they were married to for 64 years, their daughter Jenny, as well as her nieces Toni Howard and Wendy Goldberg. Additionally, Mitzi has bequeathed her godchildren, Melissa and Sara Gilbert – both renowned actors.

2024-08-10 03:46

Mitzi McCall, Comedian, Sitcom Writer and Half of the Comedy Duo McCall and Brill, Dies at 93

Read More

Minority Mindset