Iconic actress, comedian, and sitcom writer Mitzi McCall passed away on August 8, 2024, in Studio City, California. McCall, who was 93, was known for her collaborations with her husband, Charlie Brill.
Brill, McCall’s husband of 64 years, announced her death on Facebook. His heartfelt message read, “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 initiated her career in local television. She earned recognition for her pantomime performances on WDTV’s “Kiddie Castle.” A memorable account from her early days relates how watching McCall helped a young girl with a cleft palate to articulate correctly, showcasing her impact early on in her career.
Upon moving to Hollywood, McCall joined Paramount and made her debut in 1955’s “You’re Never Too Young,” opposite Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. While her film and television career blossomed, her professional partnership with Charlie Brill became a significant part of her life.
Known as “McCall & Brill,” the comedy pair were regulars on variety shows such as “The Tonight Show” and “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In.” Their infamous appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show” on February 9, 1964, where they shared the stage with The Beatles during their American debut, drew a lukewarm response from the youthful audience. McCall later humorously reflected on this during a 2005 episode of NPR’s “This American Life,” saying, “They didn’t have this expression then, but we sucked.”
Apart from her work with Brill, McCall had a successful solo career. She was particularly known for her voiceover work in animated series like “Mother Goose and Grimm,” “The Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm Show,” “Darkwing Duck,” “Yo Yogi!,” and “Ice Age” (2002). Her television appearances included shows such as “The Twilight Zone,” “Seinfeld,” “Dharma & Greg,” and “Silk Stalkings.”
McCall also contributed as a writer to sitcoms like “Eight Is Enough,” “One Day at a Time,” “ALF,” “Mr. Belvedere,” “Charles in Charge,” and “Free for All.” Her multifaceted talent as a performer and writer earned her respect in the entertainment industry.
Mitzi McCall is survived by her husband, Charlie Brill, and their daughter, Jennifer.
