In the world of comedy, few duos are as well-known and admired as Nick Kroll and John Mulaney. Their on-stage chemistry has brought laughter to millions, but behind the scenes, a life-altering event in 2020 tested their friendship in a profound and emotional way. During a candid interview on the Armchair Expert podcast with Dax Shepard, Kroll opened up about the fear, pressure, and love that drove him to help save Mulaney from addiction during one of the darkest periods of his life.
The Height of the Pandemic and a Brewing Crisis
Mulaney’s Spiraling Behavior in New York City
By late 2020, John Mulaney’s life had veered off track. According to Kroll, Mulaney was “running around New York City like a true madman.” The COVID-19 pandemic added an extra layer of stress and isolation, further complicating his substance abuse issues. From cocaine to Adderall, Xanax, Klonopin, and Percocet, Mulaney’s struggles had grown dangerously severe.
A Long-Distance Mission From Los Angeles
At the time, Nick Kroll was in Los Angeles, balancing multiple life-changing events of his own — including filming Don’t Worry Darling and preparing for the birth of his child. Despite the distance and chaos, Kroll knew he couldn’t stand by. “I was so deeply scared that he was gonna die,” he revealed. That fear became the driving force behind what would become a painstakingly coordinated intervention.
Orchestrating the Intervention
The Emotional Toll of Planning
Organizing an intervention is never simple — especially during a global pandemic. For Kroll, coordinating friends and colleagues from across the country was both emotionally and logistically taxing. “It was so scary and brutal to go through,” he said. But he knew it was necessary.
Friends and Tears: The Emotional Phone Call
Before the intervention, Kroll shared a heart-wrenching moment with Mulaney over the phone. Sitting outside his home in the middle of the pandemic, Kroll cried as he pleaded with his friend: “I’m so scared you’re going to die.” Mulaney’s distant yet nonchalant response — mentioning a new Airbnb — revealed how disconnected he had become.
Intervention Day: December 18, 2020
On December 18, 2020, Mulaney was surprised by a group of friends, including Kroll, who came together to confront him about his addiction. The intervention addressed his misuse of multiple substances and ultimately led to a two-month stay in a Pennsylvania rehab facility.
Aftermath and Healing
Mulaney’s Comedy as a Healing Tool
Following his release, Mulaney didn’t shy away from the experience. Instead, he used it as material in his Netflix special Baby J, turning personal trauma into public performance. While some jokes touched on the intervention itself, Kroll admitted he had mixed feelings. “He was still pretty fucking pissed about the intervention,” Kroll recalled. “All of a sudden, I was like, ‘Oh, I don’t know if I like having jokes about me.’”
Understanding Different Ways of Coping
Despite the initial discomfort, Kroll came to understand the necessity of Mulaney’s coping mechanism. “What he’s willing to share is what makes him so fucking funny and dynamic,” he said. While Kroll considers himself more guarded, he acknowledges Mulaney’s openness as part of his artistic brilliance.
A Lasting Friendship Built on Trust
The incident further strengthened the bond between Kroll and Mulaney. Over the years, their collaborations — from Oh, Hello on Broadway to Netflix’s Dinner Time Live — have showcased not only their comedic genius but their deep personal connection. Kroll’s decision to intervene likely saved his friend’s life and added a deeper layer of authenticity to their enduring partnership.
Final Thoughts: A Story of Courage and Compassion
Nick Kroll’s candid recounting of John Mulaney’s 2020 intervention sheds light on the emotional complexities of helping a loved one battle addiction. It’s a powerful reminder that behind the humor, celebrities are human — capable of deep fear, unconditional love, and heroic efforts in the face of overwhelming circumstances. This story is not just about addiction, but about friendship, responsibility, and healing.
