Martin Mull, a versatile comedic actor, musician, and painter known for his roles in 'Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman,' 'Fernwood 2 Night,' 'Clue,' and various television shows including 'Roseanne' and 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch,' passed away at the age of 80 on June 27, 2023. Mull began his career as a musical comedian in the early 1970s, opening for artists like Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen. He then transitioned into acting with roles on 'Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman' and its spinoffs 'Fernwood 2 Night' and 'America 2 Night.' Mull also appeared in films such as 'Mr. Mom,' 'Clue,' and wrote the theme song for The 51st State. In the late 1980s, he penned the comic tune 'A Girl Named Johnny Cash' for Jane Morgan, which peaked at No.61 on Billboard's country charts.
Television viewers in the 1990s knew Mull from his roles on Sabrina, the Teenage Witch and Roseanne. He played Principal Willard Kraft on Sabrina and was a regular celebrity guest on Hollywood Squares. From 1991 to the end of its original run, he portrayed Roseanne's gay boss Leon Carp. Mull later appeared as private eye Gene Parmesan on Arrested Development and Charlie's pharmacist Russell on Two and a Half Men.
His most recent television projects included guest appearances on Community, Psych, Veep, Dads, The Cool Kids, and Apple TV+'s The Afterparty. Mull continued his musical career throughout his life by performing at various venues. His most recent TV appearance was a pair of episodes of Apple TV+'s The Afterparty that aired last year.
Mull is survived by his wife Wendy Haas and daughter Maggie Mull.