Martin Mull, the droll comedian, actor, singer-songwriter, and painter known for his role as Leon Carp on Roseanne, has passed away at the age of 80. Mull died on Thursday, June 27th, at home after a valiant fight against a long illness
, as shared by his daughter Maggie Mull on Instagram.
Maggie expressed her deep sorrow in her heartfelt post: He was known for excelling at every creative discipline imaginable and also for doing Red Roof Inn commercials. He would find that joke funny. He was never not funny. My dad will be deeply missed by his wife and daughter, by his friends and coworkers, by fellow artists and comedians and musicians, and — the sign of a truly exceptional person — by many, many dogs. I loved him tremendously.
Mull’s career spanned decades and included memorable roles in various popular series. For fans of Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, he was the befuddled principal Willard Kraft. Notably, he also portrayed Gene Parmesan, a private detective known for his disguises on Arrested Development.
A Legacy in Comedy and Cinema
Mull co-wrote and starred alongside Fred Willard in the 1985 Cinemax mockumentary The History of White People in America and its sequel. His portrayal of Colonel Mustard in the cult classic film Clue remains iconic.
Music and Early Success
Combining humor with music, Mull’s early career saw him perform parody songs such as “Santa Doesn’t Cop Out on Dope” in various nightclubs. He even opened for legendary artists like Frank Zappa and Bruce Springsteen.
Your Living Room!! album cover – Martin Mull
Sitcom Appearances
Mull’s comedic talent shone through in his roles on numerous sitcoms over the years. From an acid-tripping attorney on Netflix’s The Ranch to recurring roles on ABC’s Not Dead Yet, he showcased versatility across genres.
An Artist Beyond Acting
Mull was more than an actor; he initially trained as a painter with degrees from the Rhode Island School of Design. This creative foundation influenced all aspects of his entertainment career.
An Outpouring of Tributes
The entertainment community mourned his loss deeply. Generations of artists and fans paid their respects. Alex Borstein shared a touching message: This blows and I’m sending my best to you and your family and I hope your heart is full of love for him and great memories.
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