Martin Mull

Early Life and Education

Martin Eugene Mull was born on August 18, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois. His family moved to North Ridgeville, Ohio, when he was two years old. They later relocated to New Canaan, Connecticut, when he was in his teens. Mull graduated from high school in New Canaan and then attended the Rhode Island School of Design, where he earned both a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in painting.

Artistic Career

Before gaining fame as an actor and comedian, Mull pursued a career as a visual artist. His paintings often feature humorous and satirical takes on suburban life. His work has been exhibited in various galleries and is part of several permanent collections.

Music Career

Martin Mull began his entertainment career as a singer-songwriter. He released several albums in the 1970s, known for their satirical and comedic content. Some of his notable albums include:

• “Martin Mull” (1972)
• “Normal” (1974)
• “Days of Wine and Neuroses” (1975)

His song “Dueling Tubas,” a parody of “Dueling Banjos,” is particularly well-known.

Acting Career

Mull transitioned to acting in the mid-1970s and has since had a prolific career in television and film. Some of his most notable roles include:

Television

• “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman” (1976–1977): Mull played the character Barth Gimble, a twin brother to Garth Gimble, adding a comedic flair to the soap opera satire.
• “Fernwood 2 Night” (1977–1978) and “America 2-Night” (1978): These were spin-offs from “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman,” where Mull played the host of a fictional talk show.
• “Roseanne” (1991–1997): Mull had a recurring role as Leon Carp, Roseanne’s gay boss.
• “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” (1997–2000): He played Willard Kraft, the vice-principal and later principal of Sabrina’s high school.
• “The Ellen Show” (2001–2002): Mull played Ellen DeGeneres’s father in this short-lived sitcom.
• “Arrested Development” (2003–2006, 2013, 2018–2019): He portrayed Gene Parmesan, a bumbling private investigator.

Film

Mull has appeared in numerous films, often in supporting or comedic roles. Some of his notable film credits include:

• “Clue” (1985): Mull played Colonel Mustard in this cult classic.
• “Mr. Mom” (1983): He portrayed Ron Richardson, a sleazy boss.
• “Mrs. Doubtfire” (1993): He had a small role as a TV producer.

Writing and Producing

In addition to his acting career, Mull has also worked as a writer and producer. He wrote several episodes of the shows he starred in and contributed to various television specials and comedy albums.

Personal Life

Martin Mull is married to singer Wendy Haas, with whom he has a daughter, Maggie. He was previously married to actress Kristin Johnson and Sandra Baker. Outside of his professional life, Mull is an accomplished artist, with his work often reflecting his wit and satirical style.

Legacy

Martin Mull is regarded as a versatile and talented performer, known for his contributions to comedy, music, and art. His unique blend of satire and humor has left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.