Martin Mull dies at 80: The comic actor, ‘Roseanne’ star and painter’s life in headlines

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As a huge fan of Martin Mull‘s multifaceted talent, I am deeply saddened by the news of his passing at the age of 80. Throughout his illustrious career spanning over five decades, Mull left an indelible mark on both the small and big screens, as well as the music world.


I was saddened to learn that Martin Mull, a beloved comedic actor whose work brought joy and laughter to many through shows like “Clue,” “Roseanne,” “Arrested Development,” and “Sabrina the Teenage Witch, passed away at the age of 80 on Thursday.

His daughter, TV writer and producer Maggie Mull, shared the news on Instagram.

“She noted that he shone in various creative fields and had the distinction of appearing in Red Roof Inn advertisements. He’d find that humorous. His sense of humor was unending. His father, an extraordinary individual, will be sorely missed not only by his spouse and child, but also by his friends, colleagues, artists, comedians, musicians, and an impressive number of dogs.”

In the 1970s, Mull, who was additionally a singer-songwriter, gained popularity through Norman Lear’s satirical soap operas “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman” and its offshoots, “Fernwood 2 Night” and “America 2-Night.”

In a more conversational style: this skilled comedian appeared as Colonel Mustard in the 1985 movie “Clue” and as Teri Garr’s boss in “Mr. Mom” (1983). He held the role of Roseanne’s boss, Leon Carp, on her self-titled sitcom. Additionally, he voiced characters such as private detective Gene Parmesan in “Arrested Development” and “Sabrina the Teenage Witch’s” intrusive Principal Kraft. Furthermore, his voice can be heard in various animated shows including “American Dad!” and “The Simpsons.”

Over the course of four decades, the actor was featured in over 200 articles in the Los Angeles Times. The most recent mention of him was in December. After Lear’s passing, a Times article highlighted seven must-see Lear shows, acknowledging Mull’s distinctive portrayals in “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman.”

As I delved into the captivating world of Mull, I was struck by the richness and depth of his multifaceted talents. He was not only a gifted actor who graced the silver screen with his presence, but also an accomplished painter whose art adorned galleries and private collections.

Martin Mull with Steve Martin during an art talk at the Broad Stage in Santa Monica in 2014.
(Ryan Miller / Invision / AP)
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2017

As a cinephile, I’ve been really enjoying the unique perspective that “I’m Sorry” on TruTV brings to the table. With a brilliant cast including Andrea Savage, Tom Everett Scott, Judy Greer, and Kathy Baker, this show offers a fresh take on sitcoms that I can’t get enough of.

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2011

The CBS sitcom “Two and a Half Men” brings in Ashton Kutcher, while bidding farewell to Charlie Sheen’s character through a humorous plot. READ MORE FOR THE DETAILS.

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2010

“Experience the Fascination of Celebrity Artists’ Works in Galleries and Museums” or “Discover the Allure of Hollywood Stars’ Artistic Side in Exhibitions.”

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2010

Appraisal of Martin Mull’s Exhibition at Samuel Freeman
Martin Mull’s latest gallery display leaves a lasting impression. According to the critic, “The most impactful pieces in this collection strike a perfect balance between Mull’s signature relaxed and unsettling styles, portraying the contrast between prosperity and inner turmoil with remarkable clarity.” For further insights, delve into the complete article.

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2000

“Paintings as Comedy: Baring It All for the Audience”

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1993

“Mull described himself as an actor who also paints. He added that when people discovered this dual talent, they often brought up other famous figures who’ve tried their hand at art. Mull stressed that acting is his primary occupation, but painting is his deepest passion. He only shares his artwork with those he holds in high regard.”

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1992

The ABC show “Roseanne” received an accolade from GLAAD for its representation of a regular gay character, portrayed by Mull. Read more about it here.

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1990

I was thrilled to chat with Mull during the build-up to “Just For Laughs: The Montreal International Comedy Festival.” This exciting event took place in the vibrant French Canadian city and concluded with Mull’s captivating musical performance, entitled “Let’s Not Say Au Revoir, Let’s Just Say Hors d’oeuvres.” (The full story unfolds in The Times’ interview.)

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1986

Discussing the achievement of “History of White People in America,” a Cinemax cable production spearheaded by Mull, Lawrence Christon engages Mull in conversation. In this project, a fictional Midwestern American family’s preferences for tuna casseroles and chenille toilet seats are portrayed with amused anthropological observation.

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1985

“Pondering ‘The White People’s Past’: An Interview”
In an interview with The New York Times, as “The White People’s Past” was about to be released on home video, the interviewer asked Mull if the series could be considered racist. Mull responded, “I suppose it could be seen that way. It’s critical of white people, so I’d call it racially charged. … People of all races have a tendency to act in racist ways. Perhaps it’s time for whites to face their past and its consequences.”

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2024-07-18 19:44