Gina Heslop
Famous comedian and actor Martin Mull has passed away at the age of 80. His daughter, Maggie Mull, shared the sad news on Instagram, revealing that he died at home after battling a long illness. Maggie described her father as a multi-talented artist known for his various creative pursuits, including his memorable commercials for Red Roof Inn. She fondly recalled his constant humor and how beloved he was by his family, friends, colleagues, and even many dogs.
Martin Mull was best known for his television roles, such as Principal Willard Kraft in “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” and Leon Carp, Roseanne Connor’s friend, on the sitcom “Roseanne.” He also portrayed Gene Parmesan, a private detective on “Arrested Development.” Mull earned an Emmy nomination in 2016 for his role as Bob Bradley on “Veep.”
In addition to acting, Mull co-wrote the 1985 mockumentary “The History of White People in America” with Fred Willard. He was passionate about songwriting and comedy, with country music star Jane Morgan recording his song “A Girl Named Johnny Cash,” a parody of “A Boy Named Sue,” in the early 1970s. The song appeared on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart for five weeks.
Mull’s career included performing parody songs in nightclubs, where he played guitar and sang. He even opened for famous musicians like Frank Zappa, Randy Newman, Bruce Springsteen, and Billy Joel. His albums, known for their quirky sense of humor, were described as having a pop/rock style with a strong jazz influence, featuring funny lyrics, though he wasn’t a parody artist like Weird Al Yankovic.
Melissa Joan Hart, who played Sabrina Spellman, paid tribute to Mull on Instagram, expressing her sorrow and recalling her admiration for his extensive body of work. She mentioned that even after leaving “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” Mull continued to take on guest-starring and recurring roles on various shows. Hart remembered Mull as a musician, artist, and a kind person who left a positive impact on everyone who knew him.
Born on August 18, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, to Harold, a carpenter, and Betty, an actress and director, Mull grew up in North Ridgeville, Ohio, and New Canaan, Connecticut. He pursued his passion for art at the Rhode Island School of Design, earning a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and a master’s degree in painting.
Martin Mull is survived by his daughter Maggie, a TV writer and producer, and his third wife, Wendy Haas, whom he married in 1982.
