Mitzi McCall, the pioneering comedian, actress, and sitcom writer known for her work with her husband, Charlie Brill, died on Thursday, August 8, 2024, in southern California at the age of 93.
Brill, her life partner of 64 years, announced her passing on Facebook. In his heartfelt post, he expressed his deep sorrow, writing, “I lost my Mitzi last night. Rest in peace, my one and only love…Rest in peace and laughter.”
Born Mitzi Steiner on September 9, 1930, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, McCall began her career in local television, where she gained attention for her pantomime performances on WDTV’s “Kiddie Castle.” A notable story from this time involves McCall inspiring a young girl with a cleft palate to speak correctly, a testament to the impact she would continue to have throughout her career.
In Hollywood, McCall signed with Paramount and debuted in 1955’s “You’re Never Too Young,” starring Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. Her career in film and television flourished, but her partnership with Charlie Brill became a defining aspect of her life.
The comedy duo “McCall & Brill” became known for their appearances on variety shows such as “The Tonight Show” and “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In.” However, their performance on “The Ed Sullivan Show” on February 9, 1964, stands out in popular culture. Sharing the stage with The Beatles during their American debut, McCall and Brill’s act was met with indifference from the young audience, though it later became a badge of honor for the couple. “They didn’t have this expression then, but we sucked,” McCall recalled during a 2005 episode of NPR’s “This American Life.”
Beyond their work together, McCall had a successful solo career, particularly as a voiceover artist. She brought to life characters in animated series like “Mother Goose and Grimm,” “The Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm Show,” “Darkwing Duck,” “Yo Yogi!,” and “Ice Age” (2002). She also appeared in numerous television shows, including “The Twilight Zone,” “Seinfeld,” “Dharma & Greg,” and “Silk Stalkings.”
McCall’s work as a writer included contributions to sitcoms such as “Eight Is Enough,” “One Day at a Time,” “ALF,” “Mr. Belvedere,” “Charles in Charge,” and “Free for All.” Her versatility as a performer and writer made her a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
Mitzi McCall is survived by Charlie Brill and their daughter, Jennifer.