Mitzi McCall, a pioneering comedian and actress renowned for her work as half of the comedy duo McCall and Brill, passed away on Thursday in Burbank at the age of 93.
Mitzi McCall, born on September 9, 1930, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, displayed remarkable comedic talent from an early age, leading to a remarkable career spanning over seven decades. She emerged as a figure in a predominantly male comedy landscape, setting a precedent for future female comedians.
Her most remarkable contributions include her partnership with her husband, Charlie Brill, in the duo “McCall and Brill.” This partnership became a fixture on television, with memorable moments such as their appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show” during The Beatles’ American debut in 1964.
McCall’s career began in the late 1940s with her stage debut in “Strange Bedfellows” at the Pittsburgh Playhouse in 1948. By the early 1950s, she had already established herself as a dynamic performer through her hosting role on the Kiddie Castle program on KDKA-TV and later appearances on Studio 10 in San Diego.
Her extensive television career included roles on “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In,” “Life Goes On,” “Seinfeld,” and “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody,” among others. As a voice-over artist, McCall brought characters to life in animated series such as “The Flintstones” and “The Jetsons,” and voiced Glyptodon in “Ice Age.”
Her film credits encompass “The White Palace,” “The Cry Baby Killer,” and “Young at Heart,” working with icons like Jerry Lewis and Robin Williams. Additionally, McCall contributed as a screenwriter to shows like “Eight is Enough” and “Charles in Charge,” and was a cherished mentor known for her warmth and generosity.
She is survived by her husband Charlie Brill, their daughter Jenny, and other family members including nieces Toni Howard and Wendy Goldberg, as well as godchildren Melissa and Sara Gilbert.