The world of comedy and television lost one of its most unique voices with the passing of Martin Mull, the beloved comedian, actor, musician, and painter. He died at the age of 80, surrounded by family, after a long illness. His daughter, Maggie Mull, shared the news on social media, remembering her father not only for his artistic achievements but also for his humor, warmth, and boundless creativity.
“Dad excelled at every creative discipline imaginable,” she wrote, adding with characteristic wit, “and also at doing Red Roof Inn commercials—that’s the part that would have made him laugh the most.”
In her heartfelt tribute, Maggie noted that her father would be missed by “friends, coworkers, fellow artists, comedians, musicians, and most importantly, many, many dogs.” She also emphasized how deeply he was loved by his wife, Wendy Haas, and by herself. “I loved him very much,” she wrote.
A Beloved Presence on Screen
For audiences spanning several decades, Martin Mull’s name was synonymous with sharp wit and unforgettable characters. He was perhaps most recognized for his roles on classic television comedies. To many younger viewers, he will always be remembered as Principal Willard Kraft from Sabrina the Teenage Witch, the sometimes bumbling but always entertaining authority figure who added humor to the show’s magical chaos.
Before that, Mull made a mark on Roseanne as Leon Carp, Roseanne Connor’s sharp-tongued friend and business partner. His deadpan delivery and impeccable timing made Leon a standout character, beloved by fans for his sarcastic but endearing presence.
Later, he delighted audiences with his appearances on Arrested Development as Gene Parmesan, a private investigator whose over-the-top antics became a recurring gag and a fan favorite.
Mull’s versatility shone again on Veep, where he earned his first and only Emmy nomination in 2016 for playing Bob Bradley. His ability to bring humor to political satire highlighted his enduring skill in adapting to new comedy landscapes.
A Multitalented Artist
Martin Mull was never confined to just one medium. Beyond acting, he was also a writer, musician, and painter. His career reflected a rare combination of talents that made him stand out in Hollywood and beyond.
In 1985, he collaborated with fellow comedian Fred Willard to write the mockumentary The History of White People in America. This project showcased Mull’s ability to merge humor with social commentary, exploring themes of culture and identity through comedy long before satirical documentaries became a popular format.
Music was also a central part of his life. Mull performed as a guitarist and singer in nightclubs during his early years, writing parody songs that displayed both wit and musicianship. In the 1970s, country star Jane Morgan recorded his song A Girl Named Johnny Cash, a playful parody of Johnny Cash’s A Boy Named Sue. The song enjoyed chart success, spending several weeks on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs list.
Mull also opened for music legends such as Frank Zappa, Randy Newman, Bruce Springsteen, and Billy Joel. His performances, often blending humor with jazz-influenced melodies, gave audiences something distinct from both traditional stand-up and standard musical acts.
As one critic on AllMusic.com put it, Mull’s work was “not parody in the style of Weird Al, but original songwriting infused with comedy and cleverness.” His albums leaned into singer/songwriter traditions, mixing pop, rock, and jazz elements with humorous lyrics.
A Painter at Heart
While millions knew Mull as an actor and comedian, he always considered painting his first love. Born in Chicago in 1943, he studied at the Rhode Island School of Design, earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in fine arts. His paintings, often satirical and whimsical, were displayed in galleries across the country.
He once said that painting offered him a form of expression beyond comedy, allowing him to explore deeper reflections on life while still incorporating humor. For Mull, creativity had no boundaries—whether through a canvas, a script, or a song.
The Legacy of Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Co-Stars’ Tributes
One of the most touching tributes came from Melissa Joan Hart, who played Sabrina Spellman on Sabrina the Teenage Witch. On Instagram, she remembered her “Principal Kraft” with gratitude and affection.
“Rest in peace, friend,” Hart wrote. “The amazing Martin Mull has died and gone to be with God. I have such fond memories of working with him and being in awe of his huge body of work. Before Sabrina, I knew him from Roseanne and Mr. Mom.”
Hart recalled that Mull never slowed down, taking on new roles with enthusiasm. She shared a piece of advice he once gave her: “He told me he takes every job he’s offered just in case the train comes to an end, which in this business can halt quickly.”
She also noted his passion for painting and music, saying that she will continue to treasure the Martin Mull artwork hanging in her home. “The world was better because he was here,” Hart wrote.
A Life Beyond the Spotlight
Despite his fame, Martin Mull valued his personal life deeply. His father was a carpenter, and his mother was an actress and director, giving him an early appreciation for both craftsmanship and performance. Raised in Ohio and Connecticut, he carried those influences with him throughout his life.
Mull married three times, and his third wife, musician Wendy Haas, remained his partner since 1982. Together they shared a deep bond, with Haas also contributing her creativity to music and the arts. Their daughter, Maggie, followed in her father’s footsteps as a writer and producer, continuing the family tradition of storytelling and entertainment.
Influence on Comedy and Culture
Martin Mull’s comedy often carried a dry, intellectual wit that set him apart from his contemporaries. He thrived on the unexpected—subverting audience expectations, mixing genres, and blending art forms. In many ways, he bridged the gap between countercultural comedy of the 1970s and the more mainstream sitcom humor of the 1990s and 2000s.
His influence can be traced in the work of comedians who admired his ability to balance absurdity with sincerity. Mull demonstrated that comedy could be smart, quirky, and even satirical while still being deeply human.
A Legacy That Lives On
The passing of Martin Mull marks the end of a remarkable era for comedy, but his work lives on in the countless projects he touched. From sitcoms that defined generations to paintings that expressed his inner world, Mull leaves behind a legacy of laughter, creativity, and originality.
For fans who grew up watching him as Principal Kraft, for fellow artists who shared stages and sets with him, and for the countless audiences who laughed at his jokes and marveled at his paintings, his loss is deeply felt. Yet his spirit endures in every role, every brushstroke, and every note of music he left behind.
In remembering Martin Mull, we celebrate not only a career filled with accomplishments but also a life that was lived with humor, artistry, and generosity of spirit. He showed that laughter could be as profound as it was entertaining and that creativity, in all its forms, was worth pursuing fully.
Final Thoughts
As tributes pour in from fans, co-stars, and fellow comedians, one truth is clear: Martin Mull will always be remembered as more than just an entertainer. He was a true artist who brought joy and thoughtfulness into people’s lives.
Though his passing is a moment of sadness, it is also an opportunity to reflect on the richness of his contributions. From sitcoms to songs, from parodies to paintings, his body of work reminds us that creativity has no single definition. It is as boundless and varied as life itself.
For his family, friends, and fans, Martin Mull’s memory will remain a source of laughter, inspiration, and comfort for years to come.
