Martin Mull, a beloved figure in television and film, known for his iconic roles in “Clue,” “Roseanne,” and “Fernwood 2 Nite,” has passed away at the age of 80. The actor, comedian, and musician died peacefully at his home on June 27th, as confirmed by his daughter, Maggie Mull.
Mull’s daughter, an executive producer on “Family Guy,” shared the heartbreaking news, highlighting her father’s incredible talent and unique sense of humor. “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 wrote.
Martin Mull’s career began in music, where he worked as a country songwriter and musical comedian before breaking into acting. He first gained widespread attention with his role in Norman Lear’s satirical soap opera “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman” and its spinoff “Fernwood 2 Nite.” On “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman,” Mull portrayed Garth Gimble, a character with a memorable and dramatic exit from the show. This led to his role as Barth Gimble, Garth’s twin brother, on “Fernwood 2 Nite,” a parody of local talk shows. The show quickly became a hit, thanks in large part to Mull’s performance as the self-centered host.
“Fernwood 2 Nite,” which premiered in July 1977, was a summer replacement for “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman” and featured a cast of eccentric characters, including Fred Willard as Jerry Hubbard and Frank DeVol as Happy Kyne. The show’s unique blend of humor and satire made it a standout of the era, eventually being retitled “America 2Nite” for its second season.
Mull’s television career continued to flourish with notable roles in “Taxi,” “Golden Girls,” and most memorably as Leon Carp on “Roseanne.” As Leon, he brought a distinct blend of humor and humanity, first appearing as Roseanne’s boss and later as her business partner. His chemistry with the cast and his comedic timing made Leon a fan-favorite character.
In later years, Mull remained active in television, appearing in the short-lived Fox sitcom “Dads” and co-starring in “The Cool Kids” alongside David Alan Grier, Leslie Jordan, and Vicki Lawrence. His enduring presence on screen and his ability to adapt to various roles showcased his versatility and talent.
Martin Mull’s passing is a significant loss to the entertainment industry. His contributions to television and film, along with his unique comedic voice, will be remembered fondly by fans and colleagues alike. As we reflect on his remarkable career, we celebrate the joy and laughter he brought to audiences around the world.
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