Martin Mull facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Martin Mull |
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Mull in 1976
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| Birth name | Martin Eugene Mull |
| Born | August 18, 1943 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | June 27, 2024 (aged 80) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Education | New Canaan High School |
| Alma mater | Rhode Island School of Design (BFA, MFA) |
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| Children | 1 |
Martin Eugene Mull (born August 18, 1943 – died June 27, 2024) was a talented American actor. He was also a musician and a painter!
Martin Mull became well-known for his roles in TV shows like Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman and Fernwood 2 Night. You might also remember him as Colonel Mustard in the 1985 movie Clue. He played Leon Carp on Roseanne and Willard Kraft on Sabrina the Teenage Witch. He was also the voice of Vlad Masters / Vlad Plasmius on Danny Phantom and Gene Parmesan on Arrested Development. Later, he had a recurring role as Russell, the pharmacist, on Two and a Half Men.
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Early Life and Education
Martin Mull was born in Chicago, Illinois. His mom, Betty Mull, was an actress and director. His dad, Harold Mull, was an acoustics engineer. When Martin was two, his family moved to North Ridgeville, Ohio. They lived there until he was 15.
Then, his family moved to New Canaan, Connecticut. Martin went to and graduated from New Canaan High School. He loved painting! He studied painting at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1965. In 1967, he got his Master of Fine Arts degree in painting, also from RISD.
Martin Mull's Career Journey
Martin Mull had a very interesting career. He was known for his music, acting, and art!
Music Career Highlights
Martin Mull started in show business as a songwriter. He wrote a country song called "A Girl Named Johnny Cash" in 1970. Soon after, he began his own music career.
In the 1970s, Martin Mull was famous for his funny and satirical songs. He performed live and made studio recordings. Instead of fancy stage setups, he would use comfortable furniture from thrift stores. He even opened for famous musicians like Randy Newman and Bruce Springsteen. His first album, Martin Mull, came out in 1972. It featured many talented musicians.
Acting Roles and TV Shows
Martin Mull's first big acting role was Garth Gimble in the TV show Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman in 1976. This led to a spin-off talk show called Fernwood 2 Night (1977). He played Barth Gimble, Garth's twin brother, alongside Fred Willard.
In 1978, he was in his first movie, FM, playing a nervous disc jockey. He also appeared in an episode of Taxi. In the 1980s, he had supporting roles in movies like Mr. Mom and Clue. He also starred in commercials for Michelob and Pizza Hut.
From 1991 to 1997, he had a long-running role as Leon Carp on the TV series Roseanne. Leon was Roseanne Conner's boss and later her business partner. From 1997 to 2000, he played Willard Kraft on Sabrina the Teenage Witch. He was the vice-principal and then the principal of Sabrina's high school.
Martin Mull also did voice acting. He was the voice of Vlad Masters / Vlad Plasmius in Danny Phantom from 2004 to 2007. He also appeared as Gene Parmesan, a private investigator, on Arrested Development. Later, he starred in the Fox sitcoms Dads and The Cool Kids.
Artistic Endeavors
Martin Mull started painting in the 1970s. His artwork has been shown in many exhibits. His first big solo art show was in 1980 in Los Angeles. His art often mixed photorealist painting with pop art and collage styles.
In 1995, he published a book of his paintings called Paintings Drawings and Words. One of his paintings was used on the cover of a novel by Joyce Carol Oates. Another painting, called After Dinner Drinks, was used for the cover of an album by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell.
Personal Life and Passing
Martin Mull was married to singer Wendy Haas. They had a daughter named Maggie. As of 2021, Maggie is a co-executive producer for the TV show Family Guy.
Martin Mull passed away at his home in Los Angeles on June 27, 2024. He had been battling a long illness.
Selected Film and Television Roles
Martin Mull appeared in many films and TV shows. Here are some of his notable roles:
Films
- FM (1978) as Eric Swan
- Serial (1980) as Harvey Holroyd
- Mr. Mom (1983) as Ron Richardson
- Clue (1985) as Colonel Mustard
- Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) as Justin Gregory
- Jingle All the Way (1996) as D.J.
- Richie Rich's Christmas Wish (1998) as Richard Rich Sr.
Television Shows
- Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman (1976–1977) as Garth Gimble / Barth Gimble
- Fernwood 2 Night (1977) as Barth Gimble
- Taxi (1979) as Roger Chapman
- The Golden Girls (1990) as Jimmy
- Roseanne (1991–1997) as Leon Carp
- Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1997–2000) as Willard Kraft
- Danny Phantom (2004–2007) as Vlad Masters / Vlad Plasmius (voice)
- Arrested Development (2004, 2013, 2018–2019) as Gene Parmesan
- Two and a Half Men (2008–2013) as Russell
- Dads (2013–2014) as Crawford Whittemore
- The Cool Kids (2018–2019) as Charlie
- Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2020) as Admiral Walter Peralta
Music Albums
Martin Mull released several music albums throughout his career, showcasing his unique blend of comedy and music. Some of his albums include:
- Martin Mull (1972)
- Martin Mull and His Fabulous Furniture in Your Living Room! (1973)
- Normal (1974)
- Days of Wine and Neuroses (1975)
- I'm Everyone I've Ever Loved (1977)
See also
In Spanish: Martin Mull para niños
