Many individuals admired the talents of comedian and actor Martin Mull. He passed away at the age of 80, as reported by his family.
Maggie Mull, his daughter, shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram, indicating that her father had died at home “after a valiant fight against a long illness.”
“He was recognized for his exceptional skills across various creative fields and for his appearances in Red Roof Inn commercials,” she conveyed to us.
“That joke would always bring a smile to his face.” He had an innate sense of humor. Friends, colleagues, fellow artists, comedians, musicians, and, most significantly, numerous dogs will deeply miss my father. His wife and daughter will also feel his absence profoundly. I cherished him immensely.
Mull was perhaps most recognized for his portrayal of coach Willard Kraft on Sabrina the Teenage Witch and as Leon Carp, Roseanne Connor’s friend, on the sitcom of the same name.
Additionally, he portrayed the private investigator Gene Parmesean on the series Arrested Development.
In 2016, Mull received his first and only Emmy nomination for his performance as Bob Bradley on Veep.
Throughout his career, Mull held a variety of jobs. Notably, he collaborated with Fred Willard to co-write the 1985 mockumentary The History of White People in America.
He had a passion for songwriting and entertaining audiences. In the early 1970s, country music artist Jane Morgan recorded his song A Girl Named Johnny Cash, a parody of A Boy Named Sue.
This song remained on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for five weeks.
Mull performed guitar in nightclubs and made a living by singing parody songs. He even had the opportunity to open for renowned artists such as Frank Zappa, Randy Newman, Bruce Springsteen, and Billy Joel.
An AllMusic.com review noted, “Mull’s peculiar sense of humor is evident in all of his albums, yet he does not fit the mold of a parody artist like Weird Al.”
“His albums are characterized by a skewed singer/songwriter, pop/rock style with a significant jazz influence, which coincidentally feature humorous lyrics.
A THRIVING CAREER
Melissa Joan Hart, known for her role as Sabrina Spellman on the beloved television series, reflected on her long-time principal who made numerous errors.
“Rest in peace, dear friend. The remarkable #MartinMull (Principal Kraft) has passed away and is now with God,” she shared on Instagram.
“I hold such cherished memories of collaborating with him and being inspired by his extensive body of work, which prior to #SabrinaTheTeenageWitch included #Roseanne and #MrMom, the projects I recognized him from.”
Hart also mentioned that after their time on Sabrina concluded, Mull continued to accept guest and recurring roles on various other shows.
“He once shared with me that he accepts every opportunity presented to him, just in case the train comes to a halt, which can happen swiftly in this industry,” she remarked.
He had a passion for painting and crafting with his hands. Additionally, he was a musician and an exceptional individual who enriched my life. His absence will be felt, but the world was enhanced by his presence. I extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends for their loss.
“I will always treasure the Martin Mull artwork displayed in my home!”
Mull was born on August 18, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois. His father worked as a carpenter, while his mother was an actress and director.
During his childhood, he resided in both North Ridgeville, Ohio, and New Canaan, Connecticut.
He attended the Rhode Island School of Design with aspirations of becoming a painter. His goal was to earn a bachelor’s degree in fine arts followed by a master’s degree in painting.
Mull began his career in the entertainment industry by forming bands to finance his education.
He is survived by his daughter, who writes and produces television shows, and his third wife, Wendy Haas, whom he wed in 1982.
