Phil Hartman | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : December 29, 2024

Who is Phil Hartman?

Phil Hartman was a renowned comedian and actor whose career flourished on the iconic television show "Saturday Night Live" (SNL). Born on September 24, 1948, in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, he initially pursued a career in graphic design before venturing into the world of comedy. Hartman's unique blend of charm and versatility allowed him to create memorable original characters, such as the Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer, and deliver spot-on impressions of notable figures like Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. His contributions to SNL earned him critical acclaim, including an Emmy Award, solidifying his status as a key figure in the revival of the show during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

In addition to his success on SNL, Phil Hartman made a significant mark in the realm of animation, lending his voice to characters in the beloved series "The Simpsons," notably Troy McClure and Lionel Hutz. Hartman's talent extended to sitcoms, where he showcased his comedic prowess in "NewsRadio," playing the role of the egocentric radio news anchor, Bill McNeal. Despite his on-screen success, Hartman's personal life was tumultuous, which ultimately culminated in a tragic end. He was shockingly murdered by his wife, Brynn Omdahl, in May 1998, a devastating event that left a lasting impact on the comedy community and his fans alike.

Early Life and Education

Phil Hartman was born on September 24, 1948, in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, as the fourth of eight children in a hardworking family. His father, a businessman and a war veteran, often moved the family around, leading them to various locations in the United States. Eventually, they settled in Los Angeles, California, where Hartman found a passion for art and storytelling. He attended the University of Arizona, where he initially pursued a degree in graphic design. This foundation in art spurred his creativity and visual storytelling skills, which would later play an essential role in his comedy career.

After completing his education, Hartman ventured into the professional world as a graphic designer. He worked in advertising before discovering his talent for performance. This pivotal moment came when he volunteered to go on stage during a Groundlings show, a respected improv troupe in Los Angeles. His unique adaptability and natural charm quickly impressed those around him, leading to an invitation to join the troupe as a member. Hartman's diverse background enriched his comedic style, allowing him to draw on life experiences and a keen understanding of character, making his transition from design to comedy both natural and impactful.

Hartman's Start in Comedy and the Groundlings

Phil Hartman’s journey into comedy began as an unlikely turn in his career. Initially a successful graphic designer, Hartman’s passion for performance was ignited during a spontaneous stage appearance with The Groundlings, a renowned improv and sketch comedy troupe in Los Angeles. His innate talent captured the attention of the troupe's founding members, leading to an invitation to join as a cast member while he took classes. Tracy Newman, a fellow comedian, recalled the overwhelming energy Hartman brought to the stage, describing it as a “hurricane” of excitement. This experience transformed Hartman into a tour de force of improvisational comedy, setting the foundation for his future success.

Hartman distinguished himself in The Groundlings with his ability to create memorable original characters and execute spot-on impressions. His versatility and creative genius quickly established him as a standout performer, with colleagues like Jon Lovitz recognizing his extraordinary skill in capturing various personas. One of his significant contributions included co-creating the beloved Pee-wee Herman character alongside Paul Reubens and co-writing the screenplay for the iconic film "Pee-wee’s Big Adventure." This blend of dramatic talent and writing acumen marked the beginning of Hartman's ascent in the entertainment industry, ultimately propelling him to become a legendary figure on "Saturday Night Live."

Rise to Fame on Saturday Night Live

Phil Hartman was an iconic figure in the world of comedy, best known for his remarkable tenure on Saturday Night Live (SNL), where he showcased his incredible talent for character creation and impression. Joining the cast in 1986 as Lorne Michaels revived the show, Hartman quickly became a fan favorite with original characters like the Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer and spot-on impersonations of political and pop culture icons such as Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. His knack for blending charm and humor into his performances contributed significantly to the revitalization of the series during a challenging era, cementing his status as a comedy star.

Hartman’s SNL success paved the way for a diversified career in entertainment. He lent his voice to beloved characters on The Simpsons, including the memorable B-movie actor Troy McClure. Beyond animation, Hartman took on a lead role in the sitcom NewsRadio, where he played an arrogant radio news anchor, further showcasing his versatility as an actor. His impressive writing abilities were also recognized, earning him an Emmy award and another nomination for his performances. By the time he left SNL in 1994, Hartman had firmly established himself as one of the most influential figures in sketch comedy, leaving an indelible mark on the genre.

Major Works and Later Career

Phil Hartman's journey in comedy is marked by his significant contributions to both television and film. Joining "Saturday Night Live" in 1986, Hartman quickly became one of the show’s standout performers, showcasing his unique ability to create memorable characters like the Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer and excelling in impressions of various public figures, including Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. His influence on the show was profound, with Hartman helping to revitalize "SNL" during a pivotal time in its history. He won an Emmy for his writing and earned numerous accolades, cementing his status as a comedy icon before departing in 1994.

After his tenure at "SNL," Hartman continued to leave an indelible mark on television. He became a beloved voice on "The Simpsons," where he lent his talents to characters like the charming yet oblivious actor Troy McClure. In the late 1990s, he starred in the ensemble sitcom "NewsRadio," portraying the self-important radio news anchor Bill McNeal. Hartman’s versatility shone through across genres, whether in sketch comedy, voice acting, or live-action sitcoms. Tragically, his flourishing career was cut short, but his work continues to inspire future generations of comedians and entertain audiences around the world.

Personal Life: Married Life and Children

Phil Hartman’s personal life was marked by a series of tumultuous relationships, despite his on-screen charisma and success. His first marriage, from 1970 to 1972, ended quickly, followed by a second marriage to Lisa Jarvis, which lasted from 1982 to 1985. Hartman was known to have a complex personality—while he thrived in creative environments as an entertainer, he often exhibited a more reclusive nature off stage. His second wife, Jarvis, described him as a blend of artistic aspiration and solitude, suggesting that his need for personal space sometimes clashed with his relationships.

After his divorce from Jarvis, Phil Hartman met Brynn Omdahl in 1986, who would become his third wife. Their relationship began with intense passion but soon revealed underlying issues related to emotional withdrawal and Omdahl’s struggles with substance abuse. They shared two children, Sean and Birgen, and Hartman often expressed happiness during the mid-1990s. However, the discrepancies in their personal success and Hartman’s reserved temperament led to a pattern of conflict, where emotional distance grew as arguments became a recurring theme in their marriage. The couple’s rocky dynamic ultimately contributed to tragic events in their lives.

Net Worth and Earning: Salary

Phil Hartman, the comedic star best known for his work on "Saturday Night Live" and "The Simpsons," was estimated to have a net worth of around $3 million at the time of his tragic death in 1998. His wealth primarily came from his diverse career in television and film, showcasing his unique talents as a performer and writer. Hartman's success on "SNL" not only established him as a household name but also enabled him to command significant salaries for his appearances, with estimates suggesting he earned upwards of $30,000 per episode during his later years on the show.

In addition to his formidable income from "Saturday Night Live," which included a notable Emmy win for his writing contributions, Hartman lent his voice to multiple characters on "The Simpsons," earning additional income from this iconic cartoon. His role as Troy McClure and various guest appearances further solidified his presence in the entertainment industry, contributing to his financial stability. Furthermore, his work on the sitcom "NewsRadio" added to his earnings, as he garnered praise for his portrayal of the egotistical news anchor, allowing him to maintain a successful career throughout the 1990s.