Martin Mull

Martin Mull is an American actor, comedian, musician, and artist whose multifaceted career has spanned several decades. Known for his dry wit, satirical humor, and distinctive voice, Mull has made significant contributions to television, film, music, and the art world. This article delves into the life and career of Martin Mull, exploring his early beginnings, key achievements, and lasting impact on various creative fields.

Early Life and Education

Childhood and Family Background

Martin Eugene Mull was born on August 18, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in North Ridgeville, Ohio, and New Canaan, Connecticut. Mull’s father, Harold Mull, was a carpenter and his mother, Betty Mull, was an actress. This blend of artistic and practical influences may have shaped Mull’s diverse career interests from a young age.

Education

Mull attended the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Fine Arts. His time at RISD was formative, allowing him to explore his artistic talents while also developing a keen interest in music and performance. It was during his college years that Mull began performing music, which would later become an integral part of his career.

Early Career in Music

Musical Beginnings

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Martin Mull began his professional career as a musician. He released several albums, characterized by their comedic and satirical content. His musical style combined folk, country, and rock elements, often with humorous lyrics that parodied contemporary culture and politics.

Notable Albums

Some of Mull’s notable albums include:

• “Martin Mull” (1972): Mull’s debut album introduced his unique blend of music and comedy, setting the stage for his future works.
• “Days of Wine and Neuroses” (1975): This album featured witty, satirical songs that showcased Mull’s sharp humor.
• “I’m Everyone I’ve Ever Loved” (1977): A more reflective and personal album, it still retained Mull’s signature comedic touch.

Musical Collaborations

Throughout his musical career, Mull collaborated with various artists and musicians. His live performances often included elements of stand-up comedy, making his concerts a unique blend of music and humor. His talent for storytelling through song earned him a loyal fan base and critical acclaim.

Transition to Comedy and Television

Stand-Up Comedy

In addition to his music career, Martin Mull began performing stand-up comedy. His style was characterized by its dry wit, clever wordplay, and satirical observations on everyday life. Mull’s stand-up routines often touched on social and political issues, delivered with a unique comedic flair that resonated with audiences.

Breakthrough with “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman”

Mull’s transition to television was marked by his role in the groundbreaking satirical soap opera “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman” (1976-1977). He played the character Garth Gimble, a wife-abusing, philandering television commercial director. His performance on the show was widely praised and helped establish him as a versatile actor capable of both comedic and dramatic roles.

“Fernwood 2 Night” and “America 2-Night”

Following his success on “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman,” Mull starred in the spin-off series “Fernwood 2 Night” (1977) and “America 2-Night” (1978). These shows were parodies of local talk shows, with Mull playing the host, Barth Gimble, Garth’s twin brother. The series were known for their satirical take on American culture and television, and Mull’s performance was a key element of their success.

Other Television Roles

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Mull appeared in numerous television shows, often in guest-starring or recurring roles. Some of his notable TV appearances include:

• “Roseanne” (1991-1997): Mull played Leon Carp, Roseanne’s boss and later business partner. His portrayal of Leon, a gay character, was groundbreaking for its time and earned him widespread recognition.
• “The Ellen Show” (2001-2002): Mull played the role of Mr. Munn, a quirky school principal, showcasing his comedic versatility.
• “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” (1997-2003): He portrayed Willard Kraft, the bumbling vice principal, bringing his signature humor to the role.

Film Career

Early Film Roles

Martin Mull’s film career began in the 1970s, with roles in various comedies and dramas. His early filmography includes:

• “Serial” (1980): A satirical comedy about the changing social dynamics in Marin County, California, during the late 1970s.
• “Mr. Mom” (1983): A popular comedy starring Michael Keaton, in which Mull played Ron Richardson, a friend and co-worker of Keaton’s character.

Notable Film Appearances

Mull’s film career continued to flourish with memorable roles in several successful movies:

• “Clue” (1985): Mull played Colonel Mustard in this cult classic comedy-mystery based on the popular board game. His performance was a standout in an ensemble cast that included Tim Curry and Madeline Kahn.
• “The Boss” (2016): A comedy starring Melissa McCarthy, in which Mull played a supporting role, further demonstrating his enduring appeal in the film industry.

Contributions to Art

Visual Art Career

In addition to his achievements in music, comedy, and acting, Martin Mull is an accomplished visual artist. He has continued to paint and exhibit his work throughout his career, earning recognition and respect in the art world.

Artistic Style and Themes

Mull’s artwork often explores themes of nostalgia, American culture, and personal memory. His paintings are known for their detailed, realistic style, often depicting scenes from mid-20th-century America. His work has been exhibited in galleries and museums across the United States, cementing his reputation as a talented visual artist.

Notable Exhibitions

Some of Mull’s notable exhibitions include:

• “Between Two Worlds”: A retrospective exhibition showcasing Mull’s work across different mediums, highlighting the interplay between his visual art and other creative endeavors.
• “American Vernacular”: An exhibition focusing on Mull’s exploration of American culture and identity through his paintings.

Personal Life and Legacy

Personal Life

Martin Mull has been married three times. His first marriage was to Kristin Johnson in 1972, followed by a marriage to Sandra Baker in 1978. He has been married to Wendy Haas since 1982, and the couple has one daughter.

Influence and Legacy

Martin Mull’s influence spans multiple creative fields, and his legacy is marked by his versatility and talent. He has inspired countless artists, comedians, and musicians with his ability to seamlessly blend humor, music, and visual art.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Mull has received various awards and accolades for his contributions to entertainment and art. His work on television, in particular, has earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.

Conclusion

Martin Mull’s multifaceted career is a testament to his incredible talent and versatility. From his early days as a musician to his success in comedy, television, film, and visual art, Mull has left an indelible mark on each field he has touched.

His dry wit, satirical humor, and distinctive voice have made him a beloved figure in American entertainment, while his visual art continues to captivate audiences with its nostalgic and thought-provoking themes. As he continues to create and inspire, Martin Mull’s legacy as a true Renaissance man of the arts remains firmly intact.

Summary

Martin Mull is an American actor, comedian, musician, and artist known for his dry wit, satirical humor, and versatility. Born on August 18, 1943, in Chicago, Mull developed his artistic talents at the Rhode Island School of Design. He began his career in the late 1960s as a musician, releasing several albums that blended comedy and music. His transition to television was marked by his role in “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman,” followed by his starring roles in “Fernwood 2 Night” and “America 2-Night.”

Mull’s television career includes notable roles in “Roseanne,” “The Ellen Show,” and “Sabrina the Teenage Witch.” In film, he has appeared in comedies such as “Mr. Mom” and “Clue.” Beyond acting and music, Mull is a respected visual artist, known for his detailed, nostalgic paintings that explore American culture.

Throughout his career, Mull has inspired many with his unique blend of humor, music, and visual art. His legacy is marked by his contributions to various creative fields, and he continues to be celebrated for his talent and versatility.