He had a remarkable sense of humor. Numerous friends, colleagues, fellow artists, comedians, musicians, and, above all, countless dogs will deeply mourn my father. His wife and daughter will also feel his absence profoundly. I held him in great affection.
Mull is perhaps best recognized for his portrayal of coach Willard Kraft on Sabrina the Teenage Witch and as Leon Carp, the friend of Roseanne Connor on the eponymous sitcom.
Additionally, he took on the role of private investigator Gene Parmesean in Arrested Development. In 2016, Mull received his first and only Emmy nomination for his performance as Bob Bradley on Veep.
Throughout his career, Mull held various positions, including collaborating with Fred Willard to co-write the 1985 mockumentary The History of White People in America.
He had a passion for songwriting and humor, exemplified when country music artist Jane Morgan recorded his parody song A Girl Named Johnny Cash in the early 1970s, which remained on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart for five weeks.
Mull also performed in nightclubs, playing guitar and singing parody songs, and had the opportunity to open for notable artists such as Frank Zappa, Randy Newman, Bruce Springsteen, and Billy Joel.
According to a review on AllMusic.com, “Mull’s unique sense of humor is evident in all of his albums, yet he does not fit the mold of a parody artist like Weird Al.” The review further notes that “his albums blend singer/songwriter, pop/rock, and strong jazz influences, featuring humorous lyrics.”
Melissa Joan Hart, renowned for her role as Sabrina Spellman in the beloved television series, reflected on her long-time principal who made numerous errors throughout his career.
She expressed her condolences on Instagram, stating, ‘Rest in peace, friend. The remarkable #MartinMull (Principal Kraft) has passed away and is now with God.’ Hart reminisced about the fond memories of collaborating with him and her admiration for his extensive body of work, which included notable projects such as #Roseanne and #MrMom prior to #SabrinaTheTeenageWitch.
She noted that even after their time on Sabrina concluded, Mull continued to accept guest and recurring roles on various shows. ‘He once shared with me that he accepts every job offered to him, as the industry can come to a sudden halt,’ she remarked.
In addition to his acting career, Mull had a passion for painting and craftsmanship, and he was also a talented musician and an exceptional individual who positively impacted her life. His absence will be felt, yet the world was enriched by his presence.
She extended her sympathies to his family and friends, stating, ‘I will always treasure the Martin Mull artwork displayed in my home!’ Born on August 18, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, Mull was the son of a carpenter and an actress and director.
During his childhood, he resided in both North Ridgeville, Ohio, and New Canaan, Connecticut. He pursued his education at the Rhode Island School of Design with the intention of becoming a painter, aiming to earn a bachelor’s degree in fine arts followed by a master’s degree in painting.
Mull began his career in the entertainment industry by forming bands to finance his education. He is survived by his daughter, a writer and producer of television shows, and his third wife, Wendy Haas, whom he wed in 1982.
