Beloved comedian and actor Martin Mull, who brought joy to many, has passed away at the age of 80, according to a statement from his family. His daughter, Maggie Mull, shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram, revealing that her father died peacefully at home after courageously battling a long illness.

In her touching tribute, Maggie Mull wrote, “My father was known not only for mastering every creative field he explored but also for starring in Red Roof Inn commercials. That joke would have definitely made him laugh.” She continued, “He was always filled with humor, and his presence will be deeply missed by friends, colleagues, fellow artists, comedians, musicians, and especially by many, many dogs. Of course, my mother and I will miss him immensely. I loved him dearly.”

Martin Mull was perhaps best recognized for his role as Coach Willard Kraft on the hit series *Sabrina the Teenage Witch* and as Leon Carp, a close friend of Roseanne Connor, on the popular sitcom *Roseanne*. His versatility as an actor shone through in his portrayal of the quirky private investigator Gene Parmesan on *Arrested Development*, a role that endeared him to fans of the show.

In 2016, Mull received his first and only Emmy nomination for his work on *Veep*, where he played Bob Bradley, further solidifying his reputation as an immensely talented actor. Throughout his career, he dabbled in many creative pursuits, including co-writing the 1985 mockumentary *The History of White People in America* alongside Fred Willard, showcasing his unique comedic style.

In addition to acting, Mull had a deep love for music and comedy. In the early 1970s, country music singer Jane Morgan recorded his song “A Girl Named Johnny Cash,” a parody of the hit “A Boy Named Sue.” The song stayed on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart for five weeks, further demonstrating Mull’s multi-talented nature.

Mull also performed as a musician, playing guitar in nightclubs and singing parody songs. His musical performances opened for iconic acts such as Frank Zappa, Randy Newman, Bruce Springsteen, and Billy Joel. His humor infused all his musical work, but as noted by AllMusic.com, “Mull’s quirky sense of humor is evident throughout his albums, though he is not a parody artist like Weird Al. His albums lean more towards singer/songwriter pop/rock with a strong jazz influence, with lyrics that happen to be funny.”

A longtime co-star and friend, Melissa Joan Hart, who played the title role in *Sabrina the Teenage Witch*, paid tribute to Mull on Instagram. “Rest in peace, friend. The incredible #MartinMull (Principal Kraft) has passed away and is now with God,” she wrote. “I have so many fond memories of working with him and was always in awe of his impressive body of work, which included shows like *Roseanne* and *Mr. Mom* even before *Sabrina*.”

Hart recalled how even after his time on *Sabrina*, Mull continued to take on guest and recurring roles in various shows. She shared, “He once told me he accepted every role offered because you never know when the train might stop, which, in this industry, can happen suddenly.” She reflected on his passion for painting and building, saying, “He loved working with his hands, and he was a remarkable musician and an even better person. The world is a better place because he was in it, and I feel lucky to have known him. My heart goes out to his family and friends.”

Mull’s artwork lives on, with Hart adding, “I’ll continue to cherish the Martin Mull artwork that hangs in my home!”

Martin Mull was born on August 18, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois. His father was a carpenter, and his mother was an actress and director, which likely influenced his creative pursuits. He spent his childhood in North Ridgeville, Ohio, and New Canaan, Connecticut, before attending the Rhode Island School of Design, where he earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Fine Arts.

His daughter, Maggie, who writes and produces television shows, and his wife Wendy Haas, whom he married in 1982, survive him.