Martin Mull Dies

He became known in the 1970s for his satirical and humorous songs.

Martin Eugene Mull was born on August 18, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois. His family moved to North Ridgeville, Ohio, when he was two years old, and later to New Canaan, Connecticut. Mull’s early interest in the arts led him to the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in 1965 and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in painting in 1967.

His time at RISD was formative, not just in honing his visual art skills but also in shaping his unique comedic voice. Mull’s foray into the entertainment industry began with music. He became known in the 1970s for his satirical and humorous songs. Mull released several albums, starting with “Martin Mull” in 1972, followed by “Martin Mull and His Fabulous Furniture in Your Living Room!” and “Normal.”

His music, often laced with wit and social commentary, found a niche audience. Songs like “Dueling Tubas” and “Licks Off of Records” showcase his comedic talents. Mull’s live performances, often incorporating his dry humor and comedic monologues, helped cement his reputation as a unique entertainer.

Discography

  • Martin Mull (1972)
  • “Dueling Tubas” (single)
  • Martin Mull and His Fabulous Furniture in Your Living Room! (1973)
  • Normal (1974)
  • In the Soop with Martin Mull (with Ed Wise and Les Daniels, recorded in 1967, released in 1974)
  • Days of Wine and Neuroses (1975)
  • I’m Everyone I’ve Ever Loved (1977)
  • No Hits, Four Errors – The Best of Martin Mull (1977)
  • Sex & Violins (1978)
  • Near Perfect/Perfect (1979)
  • Mulling It Over – A Musical Ouvre-View of Martin Mull (1998)

Mull transitioned into acting in the mid-1970s, becoming a familiar face on television. He is perhaps best known for his role as Barth Gimble in the cult classic “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman” (1976-1977) and its spin-off, “Fernwood 2 Night” (1977). His deadpan delivery and sharp wit made his character memorable. Mull’s acting career continued to flourish with roles in popular TV shows like “Roseanne,” where he played Leon Carp, and “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” where he portrayed Principal Willard Kraft.

His film credits include “Serial” (1980), “Mr. Mom” (1983), and “Clue” (1985), where he played Colonel Mustard. Despite his success in music and acting, Mull never abandoned his passion for visual art. His paintings are characterized by a satirical and often surreal style, reflecting his comedic sensibilities. He also was the voice of Vlad Plasmius in the 2005 video game “Nicktoons Unite!”

Television
  • 1976–1977 Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman 49 episodes
  • 1977 Fernwood 2 Night 44 episodes
  • 1977 The New Adventures of Wonder Woman
  • 1978 America 2-Night 65 episodes
  • 1979 Taxi
  • 1983 Sunset Limousine
  • 1984 Domestic Life 10 episodes
  • 1985 The History of White People in America
  • 1985 Lots of Luck
  • 1990 His & Hers 13 episodes
  • 1990 The Golden Girls
  • 1991 Get a Life
  • 1991–1997 Roseanne 46 episodes
  • 1992–1993 The Larry Sanders Show 2 episodes
  • 1993 Family Dog 10 episodes
  • 1994 Burke’s Law
  • 1995 Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman
  • 1997 Over the Top
  • 1997–2000 Sabrina the Teenage Witch 39 episodes
  • 1998 The Simpsons
  • 2000 Family Guy
  • 2000 Just Shoot Me!
  • 2000 The Wild Thornberrys
  • 2001–2002 The Ellen Show 18 episodes
  • 2002 Dexter’s Laboratory
  • 2002 Teamo Supremo 10 episodes
  • 2003 Reba
  • 2003–2004 Hollywood Squares
  • 2004 Half & Half
  • 2004 Reno 911!
  • 2004–2007 Danny Phantom 16 episodes[25]
  • 2004, 2013/2018–2019 Arrested Development 6 episodes
  • 2005 Hopeless Pictures
  • 2005–2011 American Dad! 10 episodes
  • 2006 Crumbs
  • 2007 The War at Home 3 episodes
  • 2008–2009 Gary Unmarried 2 episodes
  • 2008 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
  • 2008–2009 My Boys 2 Episodes
  • 2008–2013 Two and a Half Men 6 episodes
  • 2009 Eastwick
  • 2010 ‘Til Death 12 episodes
  • 2011 Mad Love
  • 2013 Psych Highway
  • 2013–2014 Dads 19 episodes
  • 2015 Community 2 episodes
  • 2015–2017 Life in Pieces 4 episodes
  • 2016 Hail Mary
  • 2016 Veep 4 episodes
  • 2016–2020 The Ranch 13 episodes
  • 2017 NCIS: Los Angeles
  • 2017–2019 I’m Sorry 7 episodes
  • 2018–2019 The Cool Kids 22 episodes
  • 2020 Brooklyn Nine-Nine
  • 2020 Bless This Mess
  • 2020 Bob’s Burgers
  • 2022 Grace and Frankie
  • 2022 Maggie Zach
  • 2023 Not Dead Yet 3 episodes
  • 2023 The Afterparty 2 episodes
Film
  • 1978 FM Eric Swan
  • 1980 Serial Harvey Holroyd
  • 1980 My Bodyguard Mr. Peache
  • 1981 Take This Job and Shove It Dick Ebersol
  • 1982 Flicks Tang/Arthur Lyle
  • 1983 Mr. Mom Ron Richardson
  • 1983 Private School Pharmacy Guy (Uncredited)
  • 1984 Bad Manners Warren Fitzpatrick
  • 1985 Television Parts Himself
  • 1985 California Girls Elliot
  • 1985 Clue Colonel Mustard
  • 1985 O.C. and Stiggs Pat Coletti
  • 1986 The Boss’ Wife Tony Dugdale
  • 1988 Rented Lips Archie Powell (Also writer)
  • 1988 Portrait of a White Marriage Himself (as talk show host)
  • 1989 Cutting Class William Carson III
  • 1990 Ski Patrol Sam Marris
  • 1990 Think Big Dr. Hayden Bruekner
  • 1990 Far Out Man Dr. Leddledick
  • 1992 Miracle Beach Donald Burbank
  • 1992 Dance with Death Art
  • 1993 Mrs. Doubtfire Justin Gregory
  • 1994 How the West Was Fun Bart Gifooley
  • 1994 Mr. Write Dan Barnes
  • 1996 Edie & Pen Johnnie Sparkle
  • 1996 Jingle All the Way D.J.
  • 1996 101 Dalmatians Wildlife Presenter
  • 1997 Beverly Hills Family Robinson Doug Robinson
  • 1998 Zack and Reba Virgil Payne
  • 1998 Richie Rich’s Christmas Wish Richard Rich Sr.
  • 2000 Attention Shoppers Charles
  • 2002 The Year That Trembled Wayne Simonelli
  • 2004 A Boyfriend for Christmas Martin Grant
  • 2006 Relative Strangers Jeffry Morton
  • 2010 Killers Holbrook
  • 2011 Oliver’s Ghost Clive Rutledge
  • 2013 Tim’s Vermeer Himself
  • 2018 A Futile and Stupid Gesture Modern Doug Kenney

Mull’s work has been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums, including the Stux Gallery in New York. His art often explores themes of suburban life and Americana, infused with a sense of irony and critique. Mull’s dual career in art and entertainment is a testament to his versatile talents and creative energy.

Mull has been married three times. His first marriage was to Kristin Johnson in 1972, which ended in divorce. He then married Sandra Baker in 1978, but the marriage was short-lived. In 1982, Mull married Wendy Haas, a musician known for her work with the band Azteca. The couple has one daughter, Maggie. Mull’s personal life has largely remained private, although he is known for his wit and humor off-screen as well.

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.

Maggie Mull – Daughter

Martin Mull died Thursday, June 27, 2024 at his home in Los Angeles. Survivors include his third wife, Wendy Haas, whom he married in 1982, and Maggie, a TV writer-producer (Life in Pieces). He was 80. His daughter stated that he had suffered a long illness.

Further Reading
Sources

Author: Doyle

I was born in Atlanta, moved to Alpharetta at 4, lived there for 53 years and moved to Decatur in 2016. I've worked at such places as Richway, North Fulton Medical Center, Management Science America (Computer Tech/Project Manager) and Stacy's Compounding Pharmacy (Pharmacy Tech).

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