How did Kevin Rooney die? Emmy-winning writer for Jay Leno became a comedian by accident
Comedian Kevin Rooney, who was best known for playing Ira Stone in ‘When Harry Met Sally’ and as a writer for Jay Leno, passed away at the age of 71. According to Deadline, the Emmy-winning writer and producer died on July 19, 2022. However, fellow producer film Dan Pasternack tweeted about his death on July 10. Rooney is survived by his wife Carole Raphaelle Davis, sister Rebecca and his brother Matthew.
Speaking of comedians passing away, popular TikTok comedian Huey Haha passed away on October 27, 2021, leaving social media heartbroken. Just a day before, legendary comedian Mort Sahl died at 94 at his California home. In September 2021, we also lost beloved SNL star Norm Macdonald, who succumbed to a nine-year-long cancer battle. Comedian Donny Davis, who performed with Britney Spears and Miley Cyrus, passed away in February 2022. He was 43.
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How did Kevin Rooney die?
Kevin Rooney breathed his last at his home, according to Deadline. The publication reported that the comedian, actor, and writer passed away after a long battle with diabetes and end-stage renal failure. Kevin Rooney also got attention when he played the role of Ira Stone in ‘When Harry Met Sally’. Rooney's comedy career started when in 1977 when he accidentally went on stage for the first time at El Brookman’s in Washington DC.
Rooney shot to fame for writing Jay Leno’s first comedy special ‘Jay Leno and the American Dream’. He also worked on Leno’s 'What’s my beef?' tirades for ‘Late Night with David Letterman’ in the 80’s. The comedian picked up two consecutive Emmys for his rants on HBO’s ‘The Dennis Miller Show.’
On the personal front, Rooney was married to singer, actress, and writer Carole Raphaelle Davis. The two were known for advocating for animal rights.
‘Should have been a mega star’
Film producer Dan Pasternack on Kevin Rooney’s death tweeted, “Remembering Kevin Rooney. A sharp writer, a gifted comedian, and "Ira" from When Harry Met Sally. Grateful he passed this way. He will be missed.”
Another user posted, “Devastated to hear about the passing of Kevin Rooney. He was already kind of a legend when I started doing standup in the 80s, then I was lucky enough to become friends with him when I lived in LA. A great comedian and a great guy. Rest In Peace.”
“Oh no, "surrey with a fringe on top" Ira. May his memory be a blessing," said an individual. One added, “What do you mean “ grateful he passed this way”? He had been ill for quite some time. He was an incredible brilliant kind funny man.”
Another recalled, “I saw him once at the Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa Beach back in the 80's and I have never laughed harder since. I always remembered him. Then when I saw him as a tax accountant named: I.R.A. I was thrilled. He was one of the funniest people ever. Should have been a mega Star.”
Remembering Kevin Rooney. A sharp writer, a gifted comedian and "Ira" from When Harry Met Sally. Grateful he passed this way. He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/BQnaNP5eK5
— Dan Pasternack (@DanPasternack) July 9, 2022
Devastated to hear about the passing of Kevin Rooney. He was already kind of a legend when I started doing standup in the 80s, then I was lucky enough to become friends with him when I lived in LA. A great comedian and a great guy. Rest In Peace.
— Frank Conniff (@FrankConniff) July 9, 2022
Oh no, "surrey with a fringe on top" Ira.
— Cinloou 🇨🇦 (@cinloou7) July 9, 2022
May his memory be a blessing.
I saw him once at the Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa Beach back in the 80's and I have never laughed harder since. I always remembered him. Then when I saw him as a tax accountant named: I.R.A. I was thrilled. He was one of the funniest people ever. Should have been a mega Star.
— L8DYSCRIBE (@l8dyscribe) July 9, 2022
What do you mean “ grateful he passed this way”? He had been ill for quite some time. He was an incredible brilliant kind funny man..
— gigi shapiro (@GigiShapiroProd) July 11, 2022
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