Martin Mull, the comic actor, musician and entertainer who gained attention in the 1970s on shows such as “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman” and “Fernwood 2-Night,” and remained active on television and in cinema over the next half-century, died Thursday at his home in Los Angeles. He was 80 years old.
His wife, Wendy Mull, confirmed his death. He died after a long illness, his family said. No cause was given.
In “Mary Hartman,” Mr. Mull played Garth Gimble, a domestic abuser who met his death by being impaled on the star atop an aluminum Christmas tree.
He starred in the series’ later spin-off, “Fernwood 2-Night”, a talk show parody that aired in 1977. He played talk show host Barth Gimble, the twin brother of Garth Gimble.
“With an undistinguished blond mustache, which may or may not be intended as a joke, Barth faces a manic-depressive manner with a precarious job situation and unclear allegations regarding pending charges against him in Florida,” John J. O ‘Connor from the New York Times wrote in a review in 1977, during the show’s opening week. “Barth would only say that his lawyer thought he had ‘a very good case for entrapment.'”
He was also known for his roles in “Clue” (1985) and the television series “Roseanne” and “Arrested Development.” He also played the character Bob Bradley, an assistant to the main character in the political sitcom “Veep.”
Most recently, Mr. Mull appeared in the Fox television series “The cool kids” about a group of friends who break the rules and live in a retirement community.
Martin E. Mull was born August 18, 1943 in Chicago to Harold and Betty Mull. He is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design. His work has appeared in gallery exhibitions and at the Whitney and Metropolitan museums.
Besides his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Maggie Mull.
In a 2018 interview with The Timeshe described his approach to his art as “going back and finding old Life and Look magazines, family photos and things like that, and then I make collages from that, create my own images and put them together.” then paint. »
A full obituary will follow.
Alain Delaquérière contributed research.
