The entertainment world mourns the loss of Martin
Mull, a cherished comedian, actor, and multi-talented artist who brought joy to
countless fans. Mull passed away at the age of 80, surrounded by his family,
after valiantly battling a long illness.
His daughter, Maggie Mull, shared the heartbreaking
news on Instagram, expressing her deep love for her father. “He was known for
excelling at every creative discipline imaginable and also for doing Red Roof
Inn commercials,” she wrote with humor Mull himself would have appreciated.
Maggie’s tribute highlighted not just Mull’s immense
talent but also his warmth and humor. “Friends, coworkers, fellow artists,
comedians, musicians, and, most importantly, many, many dogs will miss my dad
very much. His wife and daughter will also miss him a lot. I loved him very
much.”
A Legendary Career in Comedy and Television
Martin Mull’s career spanned decades, with iconic
roles that endeared him to audiences. Fans of Sabrina the Teenage Witch will remember
him as Coach Willard Kraft, while others may know him as Leon Carp, Roseanne
Connor’s friend on Roseanne.
Mull also brought his unique comedic touch to Arrested Development,
playing the quirky private eye Gene Parmesan. His versatility was further
showcased in his Emmy-nominated role as Bob Bradley on Veep in 2016—a nod to
his enduring ability to captivate audiences.
Beyond acting, Mull made significant contributions as
a writer. He teamed up with Fred Willard to co-create the 1985 mockumentary The History of White People in
America, a satirical masterpiece that showcased his sharp wit.
Musical Talents and a Quirky Sense of Humor
Before finding fame on screen, Mull pursued a passion
for music. In the early 1970s, he gained attention as a musician, performing
parody songs in nightclubs. His talent caught the eye of big names, and he even
opened for artists like Frank Zappa, Randy Newman, Bruce Springsteen, and Billy
Joel.
Mull’s songs combined humor with musicality, as
demonstrated in the country parody A
Girl Named Johnny Cash, which became a charting hit. Critics
praised his albums for blending singer-songwriter styles with jazz influences,
paired with clever, satirical lyrics.
“AllMusic.com” captured his essence perfectly:
“Mull’s strange sense of humor is clear on all of his albums, but he’s not a
parody artist like Weird Al. His albums are skewed singer/songwriter, pop/rock
with a strong jazz influence, which just happen to have funny lyrics.”
Tributes from Co-Stars and Fans
Melissa Joan Hart, who starred alongside Mull on Sabrina the Teenage Witch,
shared heartfelt memories of her “principal who made a lot of mistakes.” On
Instagram, she wrote, “Rest in peace, friend. The amazing #MartinMull
(Principal Kraft) has died and gone to be with God.”
Hart recalled her awe at his extensive body of work,
mentioning projects like Roseanne
and Mr. Mom,
and admired his enduring dedication to his craft. “He once told me that he
takes every job he’s offered just in case the train comes to an end, which in
this business tends to halt quickly,” she said.
While Mull embraced every opportunity, he also found
joy in quieter pursuits like painting and woodworking. “He was a musician and a
great person who I am better for knowing,” Hart reflected.
Her admiration extended to Mull’s artistic talent. “I
will continue to cherish the Martin Mull artwork hanging in my home!” she
wrote, a testament to his multifaceted creativity.
The Early Life of a Renaissance Man
Martin Mull was born on August 18, 1943, in Chicago,
Illinois, to a carpenter father and an actress-director mother. His family
moved often, living in North Ridgeville, Ohio, and New Canaan, Connecticut,
during his childhood.
Initially, Mull aspired to be a painter and pursued a
fine arts education at the Rhode Island School of Design, earning both a
bachelor’s and master’s degree in painting. However, his love for music led him
to form bands to support his studies, inadvertently setting the stage for his
future in show business.
His personal life was as rich as his professional
one. Mull is survived by his daughter Maggie, a successful writer and producer,
and his wife, Wendy Haas, whom he married in 1982. Together, they built a life
filled with laughter, love, and artistic expression.
A Legacy That Lives On
Martin Mull’s impact transcends comedy and
entertainment. His ability to find humor in the everyday, paired with his
artistic talents, made him a one-of-a-kind figure in Hollywood.
As his daughter Maggie poignantly expressed, “The
world was better because he was here.” His legacy will undoubtedly continue to
inspire laughter and creativity in generations to come.
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