Martin Mull

Biography

Martin Mull, the quirky comedian known for his distinctive style, was born in Chicago, Illinois, and grew up as the eldest of three siblings in Ohio. Initially drawn to the arts, he pursued painting while simultaneously organizing bands to fund his education at art school. It was during this time that he stumbled upon stand-up comedy, which became another outlet for his creativity.

Mull's unique brand of humor earned him acclaim and led to several Grammy nominations for his offbeat comedy albums. His charm lay in his dry delivery and seemingly bland persona, which cleverly concealed a sharp wit and an astute perspective on life.

His rise to fame took off in the 1970s with the cult classic “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman” (1976), where he portrayed Garth Gimble, a husband whose fate involves an aluminum Christmas tree. His popularity on the show led to a spin-off, “Fernwood 2 Night” (1977), where he played Barth Gimble, co-hosting a local television program alongside Fred Willard.

Afterward, Mull became a familiar face on the talk show circuit and in various TV specials and movies. Though his attempt at creating his own sitcom, “Domestic Life” (1984), fell flat, he appeared in notable films such as “FM” (1978), “Mr. Mom” (1983), and “Clue” (1985) as the memorable Colonel Mustard.

Beyond comedy, Mull’s heart lies in art, with his works exhibited globally. He authored the book “Painting, Drawing and World,” showcasing a decade of his artistic journey. He is married to composer Wendy, and together they have a daughter.