LOS ANGELES — Martin Mull, celebrated for his dry wit and distinctive comedic style that made him a cultural icon in the 1970s and endeared him to audiences through memorable guest appearances on sitcoms such as “Roseanne” and “Arrested Development,” has passed away, his daughter announced on Friday.
Maggie Mull, a noted TV writer and comic artist, revealed that her father died at his home on Thursday following a courageous battle with a prolonged illness.
Mull, also known for his talents as a guitarist and painter, rose to national prominence with a recurring role on the satirical soap opera “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman,” and later starred in its spinoff, “Fernwood Tonight.”
“He was renowned for his mastery across various creative disciplines and even found humor in unexpected places, like his appearances in Red Roof Inn commercials,” Maggie Mull shared in an Instagram post. “He had an irrepressible sense of humor. My dad will be deeply missed by his wife, daughter, friends, colleagues, fellow artists, comedians, musicians, and—indicative of his exceptional nature—by countless dogs.”
Recognizable for his blonde hair and impeccably groomed mustache, Mull was born in Chicago, raised in Ohio and Connecticut, and pursued art studies in Rhode Island and Rome.
His career began as a songwriter, achieving early success with the 1970 hit “A Girl Named Johnny Cash” for singer Jane Morgan. Mull seamlessly blended music and comedy, captivating audiences at hip Hollywood clubs throughout the 1970s.
“In 1976, I was a guitarist and sit-down comic performing at the Roxy on the Sunset Strip when Norman Lear happened upon me,” Mull recounted to The Associated Press in 1980. “He cast me as the husband on ‘Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman.’ Four months later, I had my own show.”
Martin Mull’s impact extended beyond television, with a cameo in the Riders of the Purple Sage’s 1973 hit “Lonesome L.A. Cowboy,” which immortalized his time on the Sunset Strip alongside music legends Kris Kristofferson and Rita Coolidge.
On “Fernwood Tonight” (also known as “Fernwood 2 Night”), Mull portrayed Barth Gimble, the host of a local talk show in a fictional Midwestern town, reprising a character closely tied to his role in “Mary Hartman.” His chemistry with Fred Willard, a frequent collaborator sharing similar comic sensibilities, added to the show’s charm. The series later evolved into “America 2 Night,” relocating the satire to Southern California. Mull also guest-hosted “The Tonight Show” as a substitute for Johnny Carson, showcasing his versatility as a performer.
Throughout his career, Mull often played roles that combined charm with a hint of sleaze, such as in the cult classic film “Clue” (1985), where he portrayed Colonel Mustard. His creative peak in the 1980s included co-creating and starring in the mockumentary series “A History of White People in America” alongside Fred Willard.
In the 1990s, Mull endeared himself to audiences in his recurring role on “Roseanne,” portraying a warm and supportive boss to the titular character. His performance earned him acclaim, showcasing a departure from his earlier edgier roles. He later received an Emmy nomination in 2016 for his guest appearance on “Veep,” underscoring his enduring impact on comedy.
Reflecting on his legacy, Mull once remarked, "What I did on ‘Veep’ I’m very proud of, but I’d like to think it’s probably more collective, at my age it’s more collective. It might go all the way back to ‘Fernwood.’”
Martin Mull is survived by his daughter Maggie Mull and his wife Wendy Haas, whom he married in 1982. His legacy lives on through his influential contributions to comedy and entertainment, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of fans and peers alike.
0 Comments