Pioneering comedian Mitzi McCall, part of the comedy duo McCall and Brielle, died Thursday in Burbank at the age of 93.
Born on September 9, 1930 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, her comedic talents were evident early in life, leading to a distinguished career spanning more than seven decades. She emerged as a prominent voice in the male-dominated world of comedy, paving the way for future generations of female comedians.
Perhaps McCall's most enduring legacy is her work with her comedian husband, Charlie Brill, as part of the comedy duo McCall & Brill. The duo became a television staple, appearing on numerous variety shows, including a memorable appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show during The Beatles' American debut in 1964—a moment that has since become television history.
Mitzi's career began in the late 1940s with her stage debut at the Pittsburgh Playhouse in the 1948 play “Strange Bedfellows.” In the early 1950s, she hosted the show Kiddie Castle on KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh, establishing herself as a versatile and engaging performer. By 1953, she was appearing on Studio 10 on KGTV in San Diego, California.
Her television career has included appearances on shows such as “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.”
In addition to her work on camera, McCall has enjoyed a successful career as a voice actress, bringing characters to life in animated series such as “Snorks,” “Mother Goose and Grimm,” “The Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm Show,” “The Flintstones,” and “The Jetsons.” She also voiced Glyptodon in the animated film “Ice Age.”
McCall's film career has included roles in “White Palace,” “Crybaby Killer,” “Kelly Gun Machine,” “Satellite War” and “Young at Heart.” She has worked alongside entertainment legends such as Jerry Lewis, Dean Martin and Robin Williams.
In addition to her work in front of the camera, McCall was also a talented screenwriter, contributing to hit TV shows such as “Eight is Enough,” “One Day at a Time,” “Alf,” and “Charles in Charge.” She was also a mentor and light to many in the industry, known for her “warmth, generosity, and unwavering support of other artists,” according to her publicist.
She has mentored many people in the entertainment industry, providing guidance and encouragement to the next generation of artists.
She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Charlie Brill, their daughter Jenny, and nieces Toni Howard and Wendy Goldberg. Mitzi is also survived by her godchildren, actresses Melissa and Sara Gilbert.
