Martin Mull—Acclaimed Actor, Comedian, Painter, Musician—Has Died at 80
Actor and comedian Martin Mull, best known for his roles in hit series "Roseanne" and films "Clue" and "Mr. Mom," has died at 80-years-old.
His daughter announced the heartbreaking news in a touching Instagram post, saying he passed away on June 27 at his home after a "valiant fight against a long illness."
"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."
Tributes are pouring in across Hollywood, including from former co-star Melissa Joan Hart, who worked alongside Mr. Mull on the show "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" in the late 90's.
In her tribute, Ms. Hart expressed how the she and the world has benefited from Mr. Mull's talents, and went on to share a key piece of advice the actor gave her as a young star.
"He once told me that he takes every job he's offered just in case the train comes to an end, which in this business tends to halt quickly. But he was an artist who liked to paint and build things with his hands, a musician and a wonderful man who i am better for knowing [sic]."
Meanwhile, actress Jennifer Tilly remembered Mr. Mull for his kindness and charisma, and reflected on their first time working together on set nearly 40 years ago.
While attempting to earn money for tuition, Mr. Mull had a job organizing bands and in part found a new passion in entertainment.
Eventually, he made his way to Hollywood where would write and perform music, while also doing stand-up comedy at clubs. It was at "The Roxy Theatre" on Sunset Strip where he was spotted by screen-writer and film producer Norman Lear.
Mr. Mull made his first television debut in the 1970's starring in a soap opera parody "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman," then its spinoff "Fernwood Tonight."
This catapulted his career and throughout the 90's, earned him roles on television screens across the country. Appearing in over 50-different shows, his TV-credits include beloved series like "Roseanne" and "Sabrina The Teenage Witch."
He also notably appeared in "Arrested Development," and "Two and a Half Men," and went on to earn his only Emmy nomination in 2016 for his guest performance on "Veep" a comedy satire series based on politics.
Appearing in nearly 40 films, his list of legendary film credits include, "Clue (1985)," "Mr. Mom (1983)," "Far Out Man (1990)," and "Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)" to name a few.
He is survived by his wife Wendy, and his daughter Maggie, who followed in his entertainment footsteps as a television-writer and producer herself.
