Phil Hartman

Actor, comedian, and graphic artist Phil Hartman did many different voices, characters, and impressions. He played pivotal roles on Saturday Night Live, The Simpsons, and NewsRadio. Tragically, Hartman was murdered by his wife in 1998.

Career

Hartman joined The Groundlings, an improvisational comedy group in Los Angeles in 1975. There he met one of his life long friends actor Paul Reubens, who was best know for playing Pee-Wee Herman. Together they worked on Pee-wee's Big Adventure, Cheech and Chong's Next Movie, and more.

He joined the crew of Saturday Night Live in 1986 and won the hearts of viewers for eight years. His best impressions were of Bill Clinton, Ed McMahon, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jack Nicholson, and Burt Reynolds.

Hartman left Saturday Night Live in 1994 and joined the television comedy sitcom cast of NewsRadio playing the role of "Bill McNeal" on NBC. He stayed until his death in 1998, and the show was ultimately canceled after the new host couldn't bring the same style of humor to the viewers.

Graphic Art

Throughout his career he was called upon by rock bands to design CD album art and logo. Some of the artists he worked with are America, Crosby, Stills & Nash, and Firesign Theatre.

His Death

His wife Brynn Hartman entered the room where Mr. Hartman was sleeping and shot him with a revolver on May 28, 1998. After she went to a friends house to tell them what happened, then returned to the crime scene with the police and committed suicide.

Fast Facts

1. Full name: Phillip Edward Hartmann
2. Born: Sep 24, 1948
3. Died: May 28, 1998
4. Origin: Brantford, Ontario
5. Joined The Groundlings in 1975
6. Languages: English, German
7. Nickname: The Sultan of Smarm Glue

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