Olivia Munn Opens Up About Almost Quitting Acting and Life with John Mulaney

Olivia Munn Opens Up About Almost Quitting Acting And Life With John Mulaney

Olivia Munn has always known how to keep her cool. But behind the scenes? Things weren’t so calm.

In a new People exclusive, the actress opened up about almost walking away from Hollywood entirely—until life, love, and motherhood completely shifted her world.

“I wanted to quit so badly,” Munn admitted to People, recalling a moment when she felt completely sidelined in her career. “I wasn’t being offered roles I wanted. I wasn’t excited. I felt like I had nothing left to prove—and nowhere left to go.”

And then came John Mulaney.

The comedian—best known for his Netflix specials and razor-sharp wit—entered her life, and everything changed. The two now share their son, Malcolm, who’s become the very center of her universe.

“I didn’t expect to have a family,” Munn told People. “But once I met John and we had Malcolm, my entire perspective changed.”

But this isn’t just a love story—it’s a survival story too.

Munn recently revealed she’s been battling breast cancer. She’s had four surgeries. She’s frozen eggs. She’s faced hormonal treatment and a mastectomy—all while keeping most of it private.

“I’ve been scared,” she said. “But I didn’t want to waste time. I didn’t want to feel sorry for myself.”

The choice to stay quiet wasn’t about secrecy—it was about space. As she told People, “I wanted to focus on my family and my healing.”

That includes John, who Munn says has been a rock throughout the entire process. “He was at every appointment. Every chemo session. He made me laugh when I wanted to cry.”

Despite the pain, the hospital gowns, and the exhausting treatments, Munn has kept her sparkle—and her sense of humor. She calls Malcolm “the biggest joy of her life,” and says that these days, acting isn’t her only role.

“I still love what I do,” she said. “But I don’t need it the same way anymore. I have a different kind of purpose now.”

The couple has kept most of their relationship out of the spotlight, but Munn says they’re just doing what works for them. “We don’t need to post everything. We’re just trying to enjoy it.”

And while Hollywood’s always waiting, Olivia Munn’s not rushing back.

“I’ll return when I’m ready. Right now, I’m just grateful to be here.”