The entertainment world has lost a true icon. Martin Mull, the versatile comic, actor, musician, and painter whose career spanned six decades, passed away at 80 after battling a long illness. His daughter, Maggie Mull, shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram:
“My father passed away at home on June 27th after a valiant fight against a long illness. He was never not funny. My dad will be deeply missed by his wife and daughter, by his friends, coworkers, fellow artists, comedians, musicians, and—perhaps most telling of all—by many, many dogs. I loved him tremendously.”
A Comedic Genius
Mull was a master of portraying characters who were hilariously unaware of their own egotism. From his iconic role as the pretentious talk show host Barth Gimble in the cult classic Fernwood 2 Night to his recurring role as the snarky Leon Carp in Roseanne, Mull had a knack for making insufferable characters irresistibly entertaining.
His comedy wasn’t just confined to television. Mull shined in films like the 1985 cult hit Clue, where he played the bumbling Colonel Mustard, and Mr. Mom, where his quip, “220, 221, whatever it takes,” became an enduring classic. He also left his mark as Justin Gregory in Mrs. Doubtfire and earned an Emmy nomination for his political satire as Bob Bradley in HBO’s Veep.
A Life Beyond Acting
Mull’s talents extended far beyond the screen. An accomplished musician and comedian, he was a trailblazer in mixing humor with music, releasing 11 albums throughout the 1970s. Mull’s quirky, satirical songs were so popular that he opened for legendary acts like Randy Newman, Bruce Springsteen, and Billy Joel.
A lifelong painter, Mull held a master’s degree in fine arts and exhibited his works in galleries nationwide. Despite his success in show business, painting remained a deeply personal passion.
Remembering Martin Mull
Mull’s charisma, sharp wit, and creative spirit resonated with fans across generations. Whether as the overbearing Principal Kraft in Sabrina the Teenage Witch or in memorable guest appearances on Community, Two and a Half Men, and Arrested Development, Mull’s presence was always magnetic.
His legacy is one of laughter, creativity, and a life lived fully across multiple artistic disciplines. Mull is survived by his wife, daughter, and countless admirers who will continue to celebrate his indelible contributions to comedy, music, and art.
As Maggie Mull so beautifully said:
“He was never not funny.”
Martin Mull, you’ll be missed but never forgotten.
