Actress and Comedian Who Followed Beatles on Ed Sullivan Dies at 91

Mitzi McCall, a versatile talent with a career spanning over fifty years, passed away on Thursday at the age of 91. She died at her home in Studio City, California. The cause of death is currently unknown.

Her husband and comedy partner, Charlie Brill, announced her passing in a heartfelt Facebook post. “I lost my Mitzi last night. Rest in peace my one and only love…Rest in peace and laughter.”

McCall and Brill were famously featured on The Ed Sullivan Show on February 9, 1964, the same night The Beatles made their iconic U.S. television debut. Their comedy act from that evening can be found on the DVD collection of The Beatles’ appearances on the show. In 2005, the couple reflected on that memorable night, including a backstage encounter with John Lennon, on Public Radio International’s “Big Break” episode of This American Life.

McCall began her journey in entertainment on a local children’s program, Kiddie Castle, which aired on KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Eventually, she moved to Hollywood, where her career flourished.

In Hollywood, McCall appeared on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In and became a regular on several television shows including Life Goes On and Silk Stalkings, the latter alongside her husband.

McCall’s talent extended to voice acting. She voiced Auntie Marina in the animated series Snorks, Mother Goose in Mother Goose and Grimm, Sylvia Jenkins in Free for All, and contributed to The Paw Paws. In 1971, she voiced Penny in The Flintstones spin-off, The Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm Show.

Her diverse career also saw her make guest appearances on popular TV shows such as Seinfeld, The Twilight Zone, Maude, Dharma & Greg, and Chuck. McCall’s contributions to animated series enriched many childhoods and inspired upcoming voice actors.

In addition to her television work, McCall and Brill released a comedy album titled From Our Point of View in 1967 under ABC Records.

She is survived by her husband, Charlie Brill, who mourns the loss of his lifelong partner in both life and comedy.

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