Martin Mull, actor known for 'Clue,' 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch,' dies at 80
(NEXSTAR) — Martin Mull, an actor known for various TV and film roles, including "Clue," "Roseanne," and "Sabrina the Teenage Witch," has died at 80. The actor's daughter confirmed the news via Instagram on Friday night.
"I am heartbroken to share that my father passed away at home on June 27th, after a valiant fight against a long illness," wrote daughter Maggie Mull. "... 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."
Mull made his television debut in 1976 in the comedic soap opera "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman," for which he appeared in 49 episodes. His further TV work included sitcoms like "Taxi," "The Golden Girls," "Two and a Half Men" and "The Cool Kids." His final television role was in two episodes of the Apple TV+ sitcom "The Afterparty" in 2022. Millennials may best know Mull as the nosy principal Willard Kraft from ABC's "Sabrina the Teenage Witch," for which Mull appeared in over 70 episodes.
Mull was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor for his role as Bob Bradley in four episodes of HBO's "Veep."
The actor's first film role was in 1978's "FM" and his final film appearance was in 2018's "A Futile and Stupid Gesture," alongside comedian Will Forte. Among Mull's most notable film roles included parts in "Mrs. Doubtfire," "Jingle All the Way," and "101 Dalmatians." In film, Mull was likely best known for his portrayal as Colonel Mustard in the 1985 cult classic comedy "Clue."
In a tribute to Mull on Friday night, former "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" star Melissa Joan Hart posted a photo of her and Mull from the show with a caption that read in part: "Rest in Peace my friend. The incredible #MartinMull (Principal Kraft) has left us for his eternal rest... He once told me that he takes every job he's offered just in case the train comes to an end, which in this business tends to halt quickly."
Hart also mentioned that she still has some of Mull's artwork hanging in her home. Mull was a painter and has even published books of his work. Additionally, Mull also worked in music, working both on his own as a solo artist in the 1970s, and as a songwriter. Mull's best-known penned song is Jane Morgan's 1970 single, "A Girl Named Johnny Cash."
In her tearful dedication to her father on Friday, Maggie Mull signed off, saying: "I loved him tremendously."