How ‘The Comeback’ Addresses Mickey’s Absence in Season 3 Following Robert Michael Morris’ Passing
New Season of The Comeback Premieres Amid Notable Absence
The highly anticipated third and final season of The Comeback debuted this weekend, nine years after the passing of actor Robert Michael Morris. His absence was poignantly felt in the season premiere titled “Valerie Gets a New Chapter,” which aired on Sunday, March 22, at 10:30 PM ET on HBO and is available for streaming on HBO Max.
Lisa Kudrow’s character, Valerie Cherish, addressed the absence of her longtime hairstylist and best friend, Mickey Deane, portrayed by Morris, who passed away at age 77 in 2017. “We lost Mickey. He passed away. Covid, the first round. Covid OG, I call it,” she explains in the episode.
The conclusion of Season 2, titled “Valerie Gets What She Wants,” set the stage for this moment, as it depicted Valerie opting to visit Mickey in the hospital rather than attending her Emmy-winning ceremony after his cancer diagnosis.
Dan Bucatinsky, who serves as co-producer and plays Valerie’s manager Billy, shared insights via Zoom, noting that Morris faced significant health challenges while filming Season 2. “He was ill in the shooting of all of Season 2, and we worked it into the storyline. Him having the opportunity to shoot Season 2 was so healing for him. He found reserves of energy that he had not had in months,” Bucatinsky remarked, emphasizing the collaborative spirit of their work.
Kudrow reflected on Morris’s impact, stating, “Mickey’s irreplaceable. And we know that’s how everyone would feel.”
Additionally, King, a former drama student of Morris before his role on the HBO show, expressed, “He couldn’t be replaced. So, we came up with the idea that maybe Valerie hasn’t really felt it yet.”
Morris was a key figure in The Comeback since its original premiere in 2005. After a lengthy hiatus, the show returned for its second season in 2014, with its third season launching on HBO and a tribute episode scheduled to air on April 5.
