Trailblazing comedian, actress, and sitcom writer, Mitzi McCall, known for her collaborations with her husband, Charlie Brill, passed away on Thursday, August 8, 2024, in southern California. She was 93 years old.
Brill, who had been her companion for 64 years, announced her death on Facebook. In his moving post, he expressed his profound grief, writing, “I lost my Mitzi last night. Rest in peace, my one and only love… Rest in peace and laughter.”
Born as Mitzi Steiner on September 9, 1930, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, McCall’s career started in local television. She gained recognition for her pantomime performances on WDTV’s “Kiddie Castle.” A significant incident during this period involved McCall inspiring a young girl with a cleft palate to speak correctly, signifying the impact she would have throughout her career.
After moving to Hollywood, McCall signed a contract with Paramount and made her debut in the 1955 film “You’re Never Too Young,” featuring Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. While she had a successful career in film and television, her partnership with Charlie Brill was a defining aspect of her life.
The comedy pair “McCall & Brill” gained fame for their performances on variety shows like “The Tonight Show” and “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In.” Yet, their act on “The Ed Sullivan Show” on February 9, 1964, holds a special place in popular culture. They shared the stage with The Beatles during their American debut, and although their performance was met with indifference from the young audience, it later became a point of pride for the duo. “They didn’t have this expression then, but we sucked,” McCall recollected during a 2005 episode of NPR’s “This American Life.”
In addition to their joint work, McCall had a prosperous solo career, particularly in voiceover work. She voiced characters in animated series such as “Mother Goose and Grimm,” “The Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm Show,” “Darkwing Duck,” “Yo Yogi!,” and “Ice Age” (2002). She also took part in numerous television shows, including “The Twilight Zone,” “Seinfeld,” “Dharma & Greg,” and “Silk Stalkings.”
McCall’s writing contributions were featured in sitcoms like “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 earned her a respected place in the entertainment industry.
Mitzi McCall is survived by her husband, Charlie Brill, and their daughter, Jennifer.