Martin Mull, the deadpan comic actor, singer-songwriter, and artist whose career spanned over half a century, passed away at his Los Angeles home on Thursday at the age of 80, confirmed by his wife, Wendy Mull. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, Mull initially gained recognition for his satirical approach to music and comedy, embodying the cerebral humor prevalent in the anti-establishment comedy of the 1970s and ’80s. Often compared to Steve Martin for his droll and understated persona, Mull first appeared on screen in Norman Lear’s “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman” in 1976, playing the role of Garth Gimble, a character whose demise on an aluminum Christmas tree became infamous.
Following this, Mull starred in the spinoff series “Fernwood 2-Night,” portraying Barth Gimble, Garth’s twin brother and the host of a parody talk show. His roles in television and film continued to showcase his unique comedic sensibility, from “Mr. Mom” (1983) to “Clue” (1985), where he played Colonel Mustard, and in TV series like “Roseanne,” “Veep,” and “Arrested Development.”
Notably, Mull co-wrote and starred in “The History of White People in America,” a mockumentary series that aired on Cinemax in 1985, blending satire with social commentary. His versatility extended to recent roles in shows like “The Cool Kids” and “The Afterparty.”
Beyond acting, Mull maintained a lifelong passion for art, influenced by collage and dreamlike imagery. His paintings were featured in prestigious galleries and museums, including the Whitney and Metropolitan museums.
Martin Mull is survived by his wife Wendy Haas, a musician, and their daughter. His impact on comedy and the arts is remembered fondly, with his daughter Maggie Mull describing him as excelling in every creative endeavor and possessing an enduring sense of humor.
Born on August 18, 1943, in Chicago, Martin Eugene Mull’s legacy encompasses not only his contributions to entertainment but also his lasting influence on comedy and artistic expression.
Related topics:
REMEMBERING KINKY FRIEDMAN: A LEGACY OF HUMOR AND CONTROVERSY
JACK BLACK’S JOURNEY TO STARDOM: FROM HUMBLE BEGINNING TO HOLLYWOOD ICON
CONTROVERSY ERUPTS OVER AYA NAKAMURA’S OLYMPIC PERFORMANCE INVITATION