Martin Mull, the scene-stealing actor known for his memorable roles in “Roseanne” and “Arrested Development,” has passed away at the age of 80. His daughter, Maggie Mull, shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram, revealing that her father died at home on June 27th after a long battle with illness.
Maggie Mull expressed her sorrow, writing, “I am heartbroken to share that my father passed away at home on June 27th, after a valiant fight against a long illness. He was known for excelling at every creative discipline imaginable and also for doing Red Roof Inn commercials. He would find that joke funny. He was never not funny.” She added, “My dad will be deeply missed by his wife and daughter, by his friends and coworkers, by fellow artists and comedians and musicians, and—the sign of a truly exceptional person—by many, many dogs. I loved him tremendously.”
Martin Mull’s career spanned nearly five decades, showcasing his versatility and talent across various genres and mediums. He first gained national attention with his roles as twins Barth and Garth Gimble on the satirical soap opera “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman.” His portrayal of these characters set the stage for a career filled with memorable performances.
Mull’s television career included notable roles such as Principal Willard Kraft on “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” Roseanne Connor’s boss Leon Carp on “Roseanne,” and pharmacist Russell on “Two and a Half Men.” His role as Gene Parmesan, the Bluth family’s private investigator in “Arrested Development,” became a fan favorite, especially for his interactions with Lucille Bluth, played by the late Jessica Walter. Mull reprised this role when the show was rebooted by Netflix.
In 2016, Mull received his only Emmy nomination for his role as political aide Bob Bradley on HBO’s “Veep.” His film career was equally impressive, with appearances in movies like “Mr. Mom” (1983), “Clue” (1985), “Mrs. Doubtfire” (1993), “Jingle All the Way” (1996), and the 2010 romantic comedy “Killers.”
Born in Chicago, Mull grew up in Ohio before moving to Connecticut at the age of 15. He later earned a master’s degree in painting from the Rhode Island School of Design. Mull began his entertainment career as a songwriter, recording his own music in the 1970s and even opening for Bruce Springsteen and Frank Zappa. His music career spanned over a decade before he transitioned to acting.
Mull’s early acting career included roles in television shows like “Dads,” “Community,” and “Two and a Half Men.” However, it was his portrayal of Leon Carp on “Roseanne” from 1991 to 1997 that solidified his place in television history. His performance as Gene Parmesan in “Arrested Development” further endeared him to audiences.
Mull’s daughter, Maggie, fondly remembered her father’s creativity and humor, noting that he excelled in every creative discipline imaginable. She also highlighted his love for dogs, a testament to his kind and compassionate nature.
Mull’s impact on the entertainment industry was profound, with many of his colleagues and fans expressing their admiration and grief. Jennifer Tilly, who co-starred with Mull in “Rented Lips,” described him as “such a witty, charismatic, and kind person.” Paul Feig, director of “Bridesmaids,” praised Mull as “the greatest,” adding that he was “so funny, so talented, such a nice guy.”
Mull’s legacy extends beyond his acting career. He was also a talented guitarist and painter, showcasing his artistic abilities in various forms. His work on “Fernwood Tonight” and its spinoff “America 2 Night” demonstrated his unique comedic style and ability to create memorable characters.
Mull’s influence on comedy and television is undeniable. His work on “A History of White People in America,” a mockumentary that aired on Cinemax, is considered some of his best. The show, which he co-created and starred in, explored mundane aspects of American life with a satirical twist.
Throughout his career, Mull often played characters that were slightly sleazy, somewhat slimy, and often smarmy. His roles in “Mr. Mom” and “Clue” exemplified this type of character, earning him a place in the hearts of fans who appreciated his unique comedic style.
Mull’s ability to bring humor and depth to his characters made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. His work on “Roseanne” and “Arrested Development” showcased his versatility and talent, earning him a dedicated fan base.
Martin Mull is survived by his wife, Wendy Haas, and daughter, Maggie Mull. His passing marks the end of an era for fans of his work, but his legacy will continue to live on through his memorable performances and contributions to the world of entertainment.
Source: USA TODAY, HuffPost, The Associated Press
