What Happened to Phil Hartman?
Phil Hartman was a Canadian-American actor, comedian, screenwriter, and graphic designer, widely celebrated for his versatile performances on 'Saturday Night Live,' 'NewsRadio,' and as a voice actor on 'The Simpsons.' His prolific career was tragically cut short on May 28, 1998, when he was murdered by his wife, Brynn Hartman, in a murder-suicide. His legacy continues to be honored through posthumous awards and ongoing appreciation for his comedic genius.
Quick Answer
Phil Hartman's life ended tragically on May 28, 1998, when he was shot and killed by his wife, Brynn Hartman, who then committed suicide. At the time of his death, he was a beloved and highly respected actor known for his work on 'Saturday Night Live,' 'NewsRadio,' and as the voice of iconic characters like Troy McClure and Lionel Hutz on 'The Simpsons.' His death, a murder-suicide, shocked the entertainment world. Today, Hartman is remembered as one of comedy's most versatile talents, with his work continuing to be celebrated through documentaries, tributes, and posthumous honors, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2014 and a mural in his hometown in 2024.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Born in Brantford, Ontario
Philip Edward Hartman was born in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, the fourth of eight children.
Graduated from CSU Northridge
Hartman earned a degree in graphic arts from California State University, Northridge, and began a career designing album covers.
Joined The Groundlings
He joined the Los Angeles improvisational comedy troupe The Groundlings, where he honed his comedic skills and met Paul Reubens.
Won Grammy Award
Hartman won a Grammy Award for his cover art for the Poco album, 'Poco 7'.
Co-wrote 'Pee-wee's Big Adventure'
He co-wrote the screenplay for the film 'Pee-wee's Big Adventure' with Paul Reubens and Michael Varhol, also making a cameo appearance.
Joined 'Saturday Night Live'
Hartman joined the cast of NBC's 'Saturday Night Live', where he would become a pivotal member for eight seasons, earning the nickname 'The Glue'.
Married Brynn Omdahl
He married his third wife, Brynn Omdahl, with whom he would have two children.
Won Primetime Emmy Award
Hartman won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program for his work on 'Saturday Night Live'.
Left 'Saturday Night Live'
After a successful eight-season run, Hartman departed from SNL to pursue other opportunities.
Joined 'NewsRadio'
He became a main cast member on the NBC sitcom 'NewsRadio', portraying the character Bill McNeal, a role for which he received critical acclaim.
Tragically Murdered
Phil Hartman was fatally shot by his wife, Brynn Hartman, in their Encino home, who then committed suicide. Their two children were home at the time.
Inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame
Hartman was posthumously inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame, receiving the Cineplex Legends Award. The Canadian Comedy Awards also established the Phil Hartman Award.
Received Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
Phil Hartman was posthumously honored with the 2,528th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Mural Unveiled in Brantford
A mural titled 'A Star Over Brantford: A Tribute to Phil Hartman' was unveiled in his hometown of Brantford, Ontario.
28th Anniversary of His Passing
The 28th anniversary of Phil Hartman's death is observed, with ongoing discussions and tributes to his enduring legacy in comedy.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Philip Edward Hartman, born on September 24, 1948, in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, began his creative journey not in comedy, but as a graphic designer. After graduating from California State University, Northridge, in 1972, he designed over 40 album covers for bands like Poco and America, and even created the logo for Crosby, Stills & Nash. His passion for performance led him to join The Groundlings improvisational comedy troupe in Los Angeles in 1975, where he quickly became a star. It was there he befriended Paul Reubens, co-creating the iconic character Pee-wee Herman and co-writing the film 'Pee-wee's Big Adventure.'
Hartman's career truly soared when he joined 'Saturday Night Live' (SNL) in 1986. Over eight seasons, he became known as 'The Glue' for his ability to hold sketches together and his mastery of impressions, including Presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton, and original characters like the 'Anal Retentive Chef' and 'Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer.' He earned a Primetime Emmy Award for his writing on SNL in 1989. After leaving SNL in 1994, he starred as the pompous radio news anchor Bill McNeal on the critically acclaimed sitcom 'NewsRadio' and provided memorable voices for numerous characters on 'The Simpsons,' most notably Lionel Hutz and Troy McClure.
Hartman's personal life, however, was marked by challenges. After two divorces, he married Brynn Omdahl in 1987, with whom he had two children, Sean and Birgen. Their marriage was troubled, reportedly due to Phil's busy work schedule and Brynn's struggles with substance abuse and anger. On the evening of May 27, 1998, after an argument, Brynn, who was intoxicated and had recently used cocaine and antidepressants, fatally shot Phil three times while he slept in their Encino, California home. Hours later, after confessing to a friend, she returned home and took her own life as police arrived.
The consequences of this tragic event were profound. Hartman's two young children were orphaned and subsequently raised by Brynn's sister and brother-in-law, Katharine and Mike Wright, in Minnesota, under a different last name to protect their privacy. The entertainment industry mourned the loss of a beloved and respected talent, with many colleagues expressing shock and sadness. 'The Simpsons' retired his characters out of respect, rather than recasting them.
As of 2026, Phil Hartman's legacy endures. He was posthumously nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for his work on 'NewsRadio' in 1998. He was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in 2012, and the Canadian Comedy Awards established the Phil Hartman Award in his memory. In 2014, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His hometown of Brantford, Ontario, unveiled a mural titled 'A Star Over Brantford: A Tribute to Phil Hartman' in November 2024. Discussions and documentaries about his life and tragic death continue to emerge, with anniversaries of his passing, such as May 28, 2026, prompting renewed reflection on his immense talent and the void he left in comedy.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Phil Hartman made different choices?