Comedian and actor Martin Mull was loved by many. He passed away at the age of 80, according to a statement from his family. Maggie Mull, his daughter, shared the sad news on Instagram, revealing that her father had died peacefully at home after courageously battling a long illness.

In her heartfelt tribute, Maggie reflected on her father’s many talents. “He was known for excelling at every creative discipline imaginable and, of course, for doing Red Roof Inn commercials,” she said, adding, “That joke would make him laugh.” She described him as someone who was always funny and noted that he would be deeply missed by his friends, colleagues, fellow artists, comedians, musicians, and countless dogs who adored him. Above all, his wife and daughter would miss him the most. “I loved him very much,” she concluded.

Martin Mull is perhaps most famously remembered for his roles as Coach Willard Kraft on Sabrina the Teenage Witch and as Leon Carp, Roseanne Connor’s friend, on the hit sitcom Roseanne. Additionally, he played the quirky private investigator Gene Parmesan on the cult classic series Arrested Development. His acting career was celebrated with a nomination for his first and only Emmy in 2016 for his role as Bob Bradley on Veep.

Mull’s career was marked by incredible versatility. In addition to acting, he collaborated with Fred Willard on writing the 1985 mockumentary The History of White People in America. He was also a talented songwriter with a knack for humor. In the early 1970s, country music star Jane Morgan recorded his song A Girl Named Johnny Cash, a witty parody of Johnny Cash’s A Boy Named Sue. The song earned a spot on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, where it stayed for five weeks.

In his early years, Mull performed in nightclubs, singing parody songs and playing guitar. His unique sense of humor and musical talent allowed him to open for renowned artists such as Frank Zappa, Randy Newman, Bruce Springsteen, and Billy Joel. A review on AllMusic.com highlighted his distinctive style: “Mull’s strange sense of humor is clear on all of his albums, but he’s not a parody artist like Weird Al. His albums are skewed singer/songwriter, pop/rock with a strong jazz influence, which just happen to have funny lyrics.”

Melissa Joan Hart, who starred as Sabrina Spellman in Sabrina the Teenage Witch, fondly remembered Mull and his impact on her life. She posted a heartfelt tribute to him on Instagram, writing, “Rest in peace, friend. The amazing #MartinMull (Principal Kraft) has died and gone to be with God. I have such fond memories of working with him and being in awe of his huge body of work, which, before #SabrinaTheTeenageWitch, included #Roseanne and #MrMom.”

Hart went on to share how Mull continued to embrace his craft even after their time together on Sabrina. “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,” she recalled. She also highlighted his other passions, such as painting and woodworking, and described him as a musician and a wonderful human being. “He will be missed, but the world was better because he was here. I’m very sorry for his family and friends’ loss,” she wrote, adding that she would continue to cherish the artwork by Martin Mull that hangs in her home.

Martin Mull was born on August 18, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois. His father worked as a carpenter, while his mother was an actress and director. During his childhood, Mull lived in North Ridgeville, Ohio, and New Canaan, Connecticut. His artistic journey began at the Rhode Island School of Design, where he pursued a bachelor’s degree in fine arts followed by a master’s degree in painting. While in school, he assembled bands to earn extra income, marking the beginning of his career in entertainment.

Throughout his career, Mull displayed a unique ability to merge humor with creativity across various forms of media. Whether through his comedic roles, songwriting, or paintings, he consistently brought joy and laughter to those who encountered his work. Mull’s contributions to television, music, and art left an indelible mark, making him a beloved figure among fans and peers alike.

Martin Mull is survived by his daughter Maggie, a writer and producer for television, and his third wife, Wendy Haas, whom he married in 1982. The news of his passing has left a void in the hearts of many, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of artists and comedians. His life was a testament to the power of creativity, humor, and the enduring impact of an artist who touched countless lives through his work.