Martin Mull, the comic musician and actor renowned for his roles in “Fernwood 2 Night,” “Clue,” “Arrested Development,” and “Roseanne,” passed away on Thursday at the age of 80. His daughter, Maggie Mull, shared the news on Instagram, expressing her heartbreak and highlighting her father’s exceptional talent and humor.
Mull’s career spanned several decades, beginning with his role as Barth Gimble on the satirical TV series “Fernwood 2 Night” in the late 1970s. This show, created by Norman Lear, was a spin-off from the soap opera parody “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman.” Mull’s portrayal of the talk show host Barth Gimble, alongside Fred Willard as his sidekick Jerry Hubbard, became iconic.
In 1985, Mull played Colonel Mustard in the comedy film “Clue,” an adaptation of the popular board game. His performance in this role remains one of his most memorable. He also appeared in the 1983 film “Mr. Mom,” where he played Teri Garr’s boss, adding to his repertoire of comedic roles.
Mull’s television career included a recurring role on “Roseanne” as Leon Carp, Roseanne’s gay boss, from 1991 to 1997. He also played the bumbling private investigator Gene Parmesan on “Arrested Development,” a role that endeared him to a new generation of fans. Additionally, he portrayed Principal Willard Kraft on “Sabrina, the Teenage Witch” from 1997 to 2000.
In 2016, Mull received an Emmy nomination for his guest role as political aide Bob Bradley in the HBO series “Veep.” His recent appearances included guest roles on “The Afterparty,” “Not Dead Yet,” and “Grace and Frankie.”
Born in Chicago, Martin Eugene Mull was raised in Ohio and Connecticut. He studied painting and graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Fine Arts in painting. Mull initially broke into show business as a songwriter, penning Jane Morgan’s 1970 country single “A Girl Named Johnny Cash.” He soon transitioned to a career as a musical comedian, performing satirical songs both live and in studio recordings.
Throughout the 1970s, Mull was known for his musical comedy, opening for artists like Randy Newman, Frank Zappa, and Bruce Springsteen. His self-titled debut album, released in 1972, featured notable musicians such as Ramblin’ Jack Elliott and Levon Helm from The Band. Mull’s early albums were recorded for Capricorn Records, a label associated with Southern rock acts like the Allman Brothers.
Mull’s versatility extended beyond acting and music. He was also a talented painter, with his work appearing in both group and solo exhibitions. One of his paintings, “After Dinner Drinks” (2008), owned by Steve Martin, was used for the cover of the album “Love Has Come for You” by Martin and Edie Brickell.
In a 2013 interview with the A.V. Club, Mull reflected on his career, stating, “Every painter I know has a day job. They’re either teaching art at some college or driving a cab or whatever. And I just happened to luck into a day job that’s extraordinary and a lot of fun and buys a lot of paint.”
Mull’s contributions to television and film were vast and varied. He had guest roles on numerous well-known shows, including “The Simpsons,” “Family Guy,” “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” “The Golden Girls,” and “Two and a Half Men.” He also appeared on game shows like “Hollywood Squares,” where he was a regular from 1998 to 2004.
In addition to his daughter Maggie, Mull is survived by his wife, Wendy Haas, an actor and composer whom he married in 1982. Maggie Mull, a TV writer and producer, shared a heartfelt tribute to her father on Instagram, highlighting his humor and the impact he had on those around him.
Martin Mull’s legacy as a comedic actor, musician, and painter will be remembered by his family, friends, colleagues, and fans. His unique blend of humor and talent left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, and he will be deeply missed.
Source: Various sources
