Martin Mull, comic star known for ‘Roseanne’ and ‘Arrested Development,’ dead at 80
Martin Mull, a musician and actor best known for his work in comedies like “Clue,” “Roseanne” and “Arrested Development,” died Thursday after struggling with an unknown illness, his family announced. He was 80.
“I am heartbroken to share that my father passed away at home on June 27th, after a valiant fight against a long illness,” his daughter, Maggie, wrote on Instagram Friday.
“He was known for excelling at every creative discipline imaginable and also for doing Red Roof Inn commercials,” she continued. “He would find that joke funny. He was never not funny.
“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,” she added in the post that included a heartwarming photo of Mull petting a pooch’s belly.
“I loved him tremendously.”
Mull launched his career in the 1970s TV shows “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman” and “Fernwood 2 Night,” before starring as Colonel Mustard in the 1985 film “Clue,” Leon Carp on “Roseanne” and beloved private investigator Gene Parmesan on “Arrested Development.”
He also made his mark with his guest role as political aide Bob Bradley in “Veep,” which earned him an Emmy nomination in 2016.
Mull’s most recent roles included guest appearances on “The Afterparty,” “Not Dead Yet” and “Grace and Frankie.”
Mull is survived by his wife, the former Wendy Haas, an actor and composer he married in 1982, and his daughter Maggie, a TV writer and producer.