Remembering Martin Mull | Letterman

Martin talks about his art, his TV appearances and more.
(From "Late Night," air date: 5/26/82)
#martinmull #celebrity #letterman
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[@lynnturman8157]

As a 13 year old in the summer of '77 who stayed up late every night to watch Fernwood Tonight, he was THE MAN. R.I.P.

[@YouTube-tied]

Me too! I was 12! America 2Night was great too! RIP.

[@batgurrl]

I was 18 and I watched it too

[@davidfuller764]

Fernwood tonight helped me ALOT in 77 at age 15-ish❤

[@pika23]

I watched reruns on Nick at night

[@YouTube-tied]

Barth Gimble to Jerry Hubbard: "You know Jerry, I've worked with a lot of people in this business, and I just want you to know, that you are one of them."

[@garypaquin9571]

The perfect comedian for people who like their humour on the sardonic side. Also a gifted guitarist. Thanks for the laughs, art , music and so much more.

[@goodun2974]

Can't remember the band but I do remember a song lyric: "now Kris and Rita ,and Martin Mull, are playing at the Troubadour/they'll get it on with the Joy of Cooking,while the crowd calls out for more.....". I also can't remember if it was Martin Mull or David Bromberg that played slide guitar with a glass baby bottle. I guess I'm at that age where it's all going away from me now........

[@michaelparks6120]

Martin once said that he had to stop jogging because the ice kept flying out of his drink. That still makes me laugh. 😊

[@HonaRama24]

I’m sitting here feeling sad and that comment about Martin giving up jogging - completely busted me up (laughing!) He had kind of a post 60s sense - very funny and subversive - plus surreal, ironic and smart. Very cool and creative guy. Some artists live up to the name - and really affect the way you take in the world.

[@gordoh7634]

Funny guy miss him much. I remember that one stuck with me as soon as I heard it.

[@Jeff-bz6jp]

Loved MM. Funny af.

[@billw5189]

One of my favorite memories of Martin was how on Fernwood he would look over at Fred Willard’s character with that fantastic WTF gaze

[@CoolCucumber710]

They were fantastic on that show!🤣👍😂

[@davidc6032]

That summer of 1977, right before starting high school, I became instantly addicted to Fernwood 2 Night. To this day, I think it's one of the greatest things I've ever seen on TV. It was quite cutting edge and really dug into the bizarre DNA of TV and talk shows, and this was before Letterman's show, before any of Gary Shandling's shows. It was so clever, fresh and funny. Martin and Fred Williard, who played Jerry, his side kick on the show, were pitch-perfect. I became lifelong fans of both based on a couple months of staying up late and watching their work.

[@outtathyme5679]

Pee Wee’s first appearance. He did the tequila dance

[@denverdubois5835]

One of the funniest men who ever lived. I adored him unequivocally in everything he ever did. I'm so sad. Rest in peace, you adorably hilarious fellow. The memory of your wit and charm will carry on forever.

[@joeg4707]

What a talent, Mull will be missed but not forgotten.

[@pslsmo]

As a little older...14 year old in the summer of '77 who stayed up late every night to watch Fernwood Tonight, He and Fred Willard were the best! Just way different for the time! Great to hear him!

[@cowetascore8476]

"220, 221 whatever it takes." Martin Mull came up with the line and told Keaton, who loved it. Comedic genius.

[@wackywaitresslv2786]

My brother and I still say it

[@daveidmarx8296]

Mr. Mom is a certified classic.

[@tren380]

That’s from Mr Mom

[@robertking7269]

You can see the respect Dave has for a comedian’s comedian. Martin Mull was one of the best for a quip that if insulting was always self deprecating. R.I.P big guy i’ll keep smiling every time I think about you.

[@josephcote6120]

He was an odd boy. That's why we loved him.

[@batgurrl]

I didn’t even know he passed thanks for posting. RIP Martin Mull

[@pauladouglas9891]

My heart goes out to his wife Wendy, one of my favorite high school friends.

[@thenostalgicpodblast]

God bless Martin Mull. From "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman" in 1976 to "Fernwood 2 Night" in 1977 to "Wonder Woman" also in 1977 to Michelob Dark TV ads in 1987 to "The Cool Kids" in 2018 and this appearance & everything in between....Martin Mull was & is gold.

[@AdrianBoyko]

Was he the pied piper in WW?

[@thenostalgicpodblast]

@@AdrianBoyko Yes! He entranced "Jan Brady" Eve Plumb's character! Exciting stuff.

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

And a great spot in the movie FM no static at all

[@thenostalgicpodblast]

@@truckerkevthepaidtourist 100% truth! I showed scene from "FM" (Matin's 1st movie, as you know) in my LIVE tribute to Martin Mull Fri. night on my channel. Great movie! about radio!

[@alewicke]

Thanks for that. I remember him saying that he took every role he was offered, so that when he died, people would marvel at his resume. IMDB says it was 149 parts he played. Tremendous body of work, sir!! Up, up and AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@musicalBurr]

Marvelous!! ❤ (RIP Martin - you brought us much laughter, thank you for that.)

[@dm95422]

Brilliant comedian/producer/songwriter/actor. One of the finest, R.I.P.

[@lynnofarrell7673]

Fernwood Tonight was way ahead of its time!! It was hilarious!

[@michaelrodgers9419]

A unique talent. Always funny. Rest In Peace sir.

[@genghis_connie]

Thanks for posting this, Dave. He was the perfect kind of silly for a kid in the 70s.

[@KentDiego]

I remember Martin Mull in the early 1970's before he made it on TV. He was a solo musical act where he toured with his Fabulous Furniture. He sang novelty songs with his entire living room furniture arranged on stage. His songs were played frequently on WABX in Detroit where he often did interviews. Once he made it on TV the furniture went into storage where it still sits.

[@annem7806]

My sis knew a friend of his agent. She was given a pair of anklesocks w his face on the side. Strangely unique.

[@Anne--Marie]

WABX was the best station and Martin Mull was hilarious.

[@romanmoronie]

WABX, from high in the David Scott Building, the radio station of your wildest dreams. Air Aces. Those were different times and places, all unrecognizable now.

[@cudaus1]

Didn't listen to ABX much in the 70's, but I never knew that Mull was on from time to time.

[@dunebillyofswanbeach4294]

I saw Martin do a concert in the mid 1970s where he still featured the armchair, table and lamp as stage props. Fernwood and America tonight was cutting edge comedy showing the remarkable genius of Norman Lear to put Mull and Fred Willard together.

[@elimgarak7330]

My favorite Martin Mull memories are of his music, especially the Soundstage show he shared with Flo and Eddie in 76, which was a riot.

[@PaulPinkosh]

We saw that special; my dad didn’t know eho they were but he enjoyed it immensely. Great stuff.

[@alcambrola2834]

I saw Martin 3 times with his fabulous furniture. Comedic/ musical talent and wit sharper than a razor and he was quite the painter. Thank God I still have his greatest hits CD. RIP Martin.

[@johnfury6481]

RIP Colonel Mustard.

[@Salsa_Shark]

He was so great as Colonel Mustard 🥲

[@robinpowell2712]

Loved him in everything he was in. Leon on Roseanne. Mary Hartman Mary Hartman. Also the pharmacist on Two and a Half Men. My condolences.

[@vinniemystery563]

Him and Fred Willard are back together they doing the new spinoff FERNWOOD IN HEAVEN 😿😿

[@Diogenes1360]

I was 18 years old & in the live audience when he was doing America 2-Night in 1978, Martin was One Cool Dude.

[@victhedude417]

I was a fan of Martin Mull since the 70's. In those days i worked in film as a costumer/wardrobe helper. I was hired to help for 3 days on reshoots for a crowd scene in the movie FM. Martin was in that segment. Even though i was there i never actually met him. But i got to watch him and will forever be thankful for the memories. RIP Martin! Forever loved.

[@cunn9305]

An absolute smartass comedic genius .. I will miss him forever ... R.I.P.

[@alcambrola2834]

"Licks Off of Records." One of the funniest songs ever written.

[@michaelparks6120]

Best wishes to Martin Mull's family and loved ones....he was truly a funny guy.

[@Bainrow]

His 70's music though...... no one mentions. Phenomenal musician and songwriter and performer before his television career.

[@ToniHunterOne]

Aw Rest in Peace Martin Mull. Thank you for the fun and joy you brought into our lives.

[@Davidstraub]

Martin Mull was a mainstay of TV in the 1980s. Loved his work. Sad to hear of his passing.

[@pigmeatmarkham898]

Was still married to the lovely Wendy Haas at the time of his passing. Condolences to his widow and their daughter. 🪦🙏

[@kstepko]

I was going to look that up right after watching the video: thanks.

[@completeMonti]

His daughter Maggie is a talented television writer, humorist, and cartoonist.

[@lebojay]

He made his first impression on me in Mr. Mom, then in Clue. I was just a little kid. Always loved him.

[@sunshinegirl1655]

I just saw the news story and was wondering how soon someone here would have a video posted. R.I.P Martin. I will always remember you as Leon, the worst boss ever on Roseanne. ❤

[@tg2741]

Loved all that Martin Mull did. From "Fernwood / America 2night" to his parts in "Clue" and "Mr. Mom", he delivered comedy gold. And I know I'm leaving out a ton of his work but figured it was not necessary to name more. He was just a classic comedian and could play the straight man so well. RIP and thanks Martin Mull. You will be sorely missed.

[@dianaopolski869]

I remember him in My Bodyguard as Clifford's father, the hotel manager of The Ambassador Hotel in Chicago. Ruth Gordon played his mischievous mother and Matt Dillon was the high school bully. Very early - if not the first role of Adam Baldwin's. An overlooked and underrated film about growing up in urban Chicago in the 1970s. Directed by Tony Bill. Mull was excellent in the film. He and Ruth Gordon were very funny and memorable characters in the film. RIP Martin Mull.

[@loganswiss6903]

It was indeed Adam Baldwin's 1st role, at only 17!!! What a wonderful, beautiful movie... the palm-reading scene alone, between Ruth Gordon's character & Adam's, is one of the most moving, touching, delicate moment in movie history!!! Thank you for your comment!

[@CoolCucumber710]

YES Diana! I’m going to watch that again💛👍

[@newshoesbigblister]

So sad to hear Martin's gone. Loved him on TV, but when I found his comedy albums, I played them regularly. RIP Martin Mull 💔🙏💔

[@thefifthdementia5231]

Saw him in 1975 at the Quiet Knight. Great show. Two great shows - we stayed for his second. Love all his LPs. A wonderful entertainer...a shock he has left us. Rest in peace, Martin

[@johncornell3665]

Always enjoyed Martin. Sorry to hear of his passing. Thanks Dave!

[@JP-nk4sv]

This is hysterical. Thanks for this. Mull had some very funny comedy albums along with Fernwood, etc. A unique talent.

[@loganswiss6903]

A genius comedian, a superb musician, and a very fine if underrated actor! To me, he'll always be the father in 1980's "My Bodyguard"... though Martin Mull is not its lead, if you get the chance, please seek out that wonderful movie. R.I.P.

[@24marcg24]

Man i miss Dave more than any one else that was on tv. One of a kind.

[@jamesdamico9284]

Martin mull and Fred Willard were comedy gold . Fernwood Tonight was a classic. Was great in everything he did. He will be missed

[@KingGhidorah_]

2:42 - Ahh, 1980s. Back when you could ash a cigarette right on Letterman's carpet during your interview.

[@CPF9898]

In the 70s Martin brought his comedy act to a club in Toronto. His stage set-up was like a little living room with a comfy chair, side table and lamp. During a break in the show he walked into the audience and sat down at our table to have a beer with us. No pretension or ego.

[@photogatphotogmedia1969]

Martin Mull was my favorite pharmacist

[@FeatnikSF]

❤️ Those fabulous two tone shoes!

[@MarkParker]

Love Martin - grew up with Fernwood Tonight… exceptional comedian, guitarist, painter, and all-around artist. Gonna miss him 😢

[@ATXDavid1.]

Rip Martin Mull🙏❤️

[@kstepko]

I knew him first on Roseanne, but in later years, loved him in Clue and anything else he appeared in. His quick wit is evident in this interview. He will be missed.

[@bw8349]

Thanks Dave

[@JackSilbert]

Such a wonderful dry wit!

[@dunebillyofswanbeach4294]

Martin and Fred Willard working together on Fernwood and then America Tonight showed the remarkable genius of Norman Lear in putting them together to do the hippest show on network television at the time.

[@DaNiyaHodge]

Rip Martin Eugene Mull, you will be missed

[@The_momur]

RIP Martin.

[@HRConsultant_Jeff]

Martin was always a favorite of mine since the early 70s. He was just naturally funny.

[@spartyman7]

Brilliant talent. RIP.

[@shovey1000]

My favorite joke from Fernwood Tonight was “Better a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy.” RIP Mr. Mull.

[@goodun2974]

Somebody recorded a song about that which I remember hearing on the Doctor Demento show.

[@johnwarring2337]

Martin "scratching my ass" Mull. One of the funnier people to ever live

[@denisefitzgerald8783]

I saw him several times in the early 70’s in and around Boston. One night at Paul’s Mall on Boylston Street, he did Flexible and as per his instructions, everyone took out their loose change and tapped it on the little round wooden tables. The effect was hilariously amazing. Thanks for the memories, Martin. You were one of a kind and funny af.

[@imasmileydog8043]

With that name you must be from Southie' I got out of the Army in 76 and married a gal from Somerville. Saw mull once with the furniture. One of the best live performances I ever saw.

[@denisefitzgerald8783]

@@imasmileydog8043 Not from Southie but I’ve had a good many snacks from Sullivan’s. Back in the day I lived just west of Cambridge, which, as you probably know from living in Somerville, was, together with Boston, an absolute Mecca for musicians and comedians of every stripe. Martin Mull was a legend in these parts.

[@imasmileydog8043]

@@denisefitzgerald8783 Martin was indeed a legend Denise and I enjoyed our chat. I wish you good health and a long life.

[@denisefitzgerald8783]

@@imasmileydog8043 Thanks, to you as well. ✌🏻

[@MathewRyan111]

My goodness he was so funny! I loved him as Colonel Mustard in Clue. RIP.

[@DH-ve5bl]

@MatthewRyan111. Mull was also in a funny episode of “Get A Life “in the early 1990’s with Chris Elliott.

[@ervina02]

Just found out Martin Mull. He was so funny. My condolences to his family. May he Rest in Peace

[@NP-ip3nj]

I hate how this channel keeps informing me about who died.

[@user-ng4er1bt8d]

Remember when used to appear on Johnny Carson sitting in his upholstered chair, table, and lamp by the side playing his guitar and doing sitdown comedy. Loved his humor and artwork. RIP

[@melissas9245]

Haha I love how Martin is a bit more sarcastic than Dave. These two together are amazing!! I love insulting & self-deprecating comedy. RIP Martin!

[@MR-in8bl]

Martin my man, those shoes are hard af!!!

[@cudaus1]

Always watched Fernwood Tonight. Martin was a great comedian on a very funny show. RIP, he will be missed.

[@brianmoore5498]

i saw this on steve martins instagram a while ago. Apparently they had been lifelong friends. Mr. Martin put up a photo of Mr. Mull's art which I found to be very impressive. A multi talented actor, comic and artist that I will miss. Farewell

[@interfusor]

When Norm Macdonald interviewed Mull he said that they were both touring separately but one day at the same venue he saw Steve sitting in a hallway but was so intimidated because Steve Martin was at his biggest, popularity wise, so he didn't say anything and just walked past Steve. Steve said as he passed by "Oh very well thanks for asking!" Mull laughed and from then on they were great friends. Paraphrasing here but that was the gist of it.

[@alcambrola2834]

If I recall correctly, they even performed together for a bit as Steve Martin Mull. The year escapes me.

[@MrTruckerf]

@@alcambrola2834 I think you are right, but I can't recall when, either.

[@trainliker100]

I'm old enough to remember when he first hit the national scene with his standup on TV. Very droll and very edgy. Especially edgy for the time. Many probably won't know that his comedy involved a lot of singing while playing a guitar. Songs like "The Humming Song" and "Making Love Alone." A gifted comedic actor. In his part as a somewhat sketchy pharmacist on "Two and a Half Men" he often used the phrase, "What are you, a cop?" to very good effect. This guy simply delivered with every single thing he ever did.

[@goodun2974]

I don't recall the original but I remember hearing Bernadette Peters sing "Making Love love Alone" on Saturday Night Live and it was hysterically funny.

[@frankcross6958]

im a 90s kid i always remember him as the principal from sabrina teenage witch RIP

[@coffeeabuse]

First saw him in the Mary Hartman series when his character Garth died from being impaled by an aluminum Christmas tree angel lol. The funniest presence during my teen years. RIP Mr. Mull.

[@PAKiller1]

I remember that too. He was actually a wife beater on that show, and after they killed him off, they brought him back as a twin cousin or something

[@coffeeabuse]

@@PAKiller1 yeah I think it was his brother named Barth LOL

[@Hank-ip8rl]

One of the very best. Been spinning I'm Everyone I've Every Loved this week.

[@johnmavroudis2054]

Two legends chatting. Fantastic.

[@Itelkner]

Thanks for all the great memories. You will be missed. Fernwood/America Tonight was brilliant. As was the interview with Norm Macdonald. RIP

[@Fantasmister]

When the Letterman bell tolls, it tolls for thee.

[@antihero5203]

RIP Gene Parmesean.

[@gallery7596]

Hadn't heard. What a loss. Such a talented and uniquely funny performer.

[@MeraApna]

R.I.P Martin Thanks for all the laughter Wendy and Maggie,you are in our thoughts and prayers

[@oldmoviesinbwwithsubtitles3501]

Was great in Mary Hartman.

[@taxesdeathandtrouble.1886]

+ Mary Hartman

[@sCulturefan]

Very funny comedian who was also a talented musician, visual artist, and a great dramatic actor when he got the opportunity, watch some of his Mary Hartman episodes from season 2 to see what I mean!

[@sedona816]

Come on, nobody admits to watching Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman!

[@user-ve8um6lu8l]

@@sedona816 my Mother loved it. My husband & I saw him live, a one man ‘ stand-up ‘ but it was funny before he went on stage, the curtain opened and there was a high backed comfy looking chair on a round rug, with a side table and a free-standing lamp, then he came on and sat down 😊 He was so funny ❤

[@ObeseCaligula]

I read the news today, oh boy.

[@simonagree4070]

Really? I looked him up on Wikipedia a few days ago, and was happy to see he was still with us. Bought his music, noted his gallery showings, and read his articles in the magazines back in the '70s. Funny guy in a dry kind of way.

[@eddiemunster8634]

Wit is so rare in the entertainment fantasy world, hard to believe you can have these two on the same show at the same time

[@donmoore7785]

Ah the memories. Mr. Mull helped shape my childhood.

[@KoRnBaKo]

Rest In Peace, legend. Many great roles from Sabrina The Teenage Witch, Roseanne, Two & A Half Men and more!

[@KungEMuller]

Martin Mull will be missed. Fun fact: Martin and Dave were friends for a long time. They both succeeded on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and they both filled in for Johnny many times. Of course, Dave was more successful than Martin was, but that's neither here nor there. I hope that everyone will remember how great Martin Mull was.

[@imasmileydog8043]

Dave was more successful but didn't have enough talent to kiss martin's ass.

[@KungEMuller]

@@imasmileydog8043 Well, Martin Mull did have more acting credits under his belt, but can we please stop arguing? Let's just remember Martin Mull.

[@daveidmarx8296]

First discovered Martin on an HBO special from 1980 called 'Here Comes Summer'. I was nine at the time and thought it was hilarious. I'd love to see that one again. RIP.

[@TheMattsterling]

Two of the greatest ad lib men in TV history. Martin will be missed! Dave, go get a check up...we need you around for another 20 years.

[@glenngrinter6818]

Thanks for this.🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@johntabacco]

In my musical universe he will be missed. Great talent.

[@johnmac4020]

Any show he was on was usually pretty good. You will be missed my TV friend

[@patriciawhite6820]

I have hIs album on which he sings"Ventriloquist love, it ain't such a groove cause whenever I kiss you, your lips never move". He was so funny!!!!

[@jjryan1352]

Rest in Peace vaunted historian who documented the history of my peeps in America.

[@fiestafoo5006]

Man, I loved him! What a loss. He’ll always be Barth Gimble to me. ❤

[@sergior.393]

Rest in peace, Martin 🕯️🕊️

[@_PrimetimePranks]

Fernwood2nite and Clue ❤❤ RIP

[@wendybutler1681]

I was thinking of him just a few days ago. Been a fan since before the beginning. Martin would understand that last sentence.

[@AllenHansford-xz3mv]

He was a great actor 😀😀😀😀😀😀😁😁😀😀😁😀😀😁😀😀😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢🎉😢😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮

[@ronniecozzi8385]

Loved Fernwood Tonight.

[@bathsheba56]

I didn't know Martin had passed recently. I love his form of irony. Hilarious.