Phil Hartman Net Worth

Phil Hartman: The Life, Career, and Tragic Death of a Comedy Legend

Phil Hartman, the man of a thousand voices, was a comedic genius whose talent spanned writing, acting, and voice work. This article delves into the life, career, and untimely death of this beloved entertainer, exploring his rise to fame, his significant contributions to the world of comedy, and the lasting impact he made on audiences worldwide.

Early Life and Beginnings

Born Philip Edward Hartmann on September 24, 1948, in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, Phil Hartman’s early life was marked by a move to the United States at the age of 10. His family initially settled in Lewiston, Maine, and later moved to Meriden, Connecticut, before finally relocating to the West Coast. As a student at Westchester High School in Los Angeles, Hartman was known as the class clown, hinting at the comedic talent that would later define his career. After high school, he briefly attended Santa Monica City College before embarking on a different path, becoming a roadie for a rock band. His artistic inclinations led him to study graphic arts at California State University, Northridge, where he honed skills that would prove invaluable in his early career.

Hartman’s graphic design work led to the creation of album covers for several prominent artists, including Steely Dan’s “Aja” and America’s “Harbor,” as well as the iconic Crosby, Stills & Nash logo, showcasing his versatility and creative flair.

Phil Hartman and Chris Farley (Photo by Barry King/WireImage)

Career Highlights: From The Groundlings to ‘Saturday Night Live’ and Beyond

Hartman’s foray into comedy began with the improv group The Groundlings in the 1970s. Here, he honed his comedic skills, eventually contributing to the creation of the iconic character Pee-wee Herman, assisting Paul Reubens in developing the stage show “The Pee-wee Herman Show.” Hartman’s talent led him to play Captain Carl in the live show and its subsequent television adaptation, “Pee-wee’s Playhouse,” and also to contribute as a writer on the project. He also appeared in “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” in 1985.

His diverse career included numerous film roles, starting with “Stunt Rock” in 1978 and followed by appearances in “Three Amigos!” (1986), “Coneheads” (1993), “So I Married an Axe Murderer” (1993), “Houseguest” (1995), “Sgt. Bilko” (1996), and “Jingle All the Way” (1996). His television credits included roles in “Magnum, P.I.” (1984), “Sesame Street” (1991), “The Larry Sanders Show” (1993), “The Dana Carvey Show” (1996), “Seinfeld” (1996), and “3rd Rock from the Sun” (1996; 1998).

Hartman’s breakthrough came with “Saturday Night Live,” where he became a cast member and writer from 1986 to 1994. Known as “Glue” for his ability to hold the show together, he created memorable characters such as Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer and the Anal Retentive Chef, and he delivered spot-on impressions of Bill Clinton, Frank Sinatra, Ed McMahon, Phil Donahue, and many others. His exceptional comedic timing and ability to embody diverse characters made him a standout performer.

After leaving “SNL,” Hartman starred as Bill McNeal in the critically acclaimed sitcom “NewsRadio” from 1995 until his death in 1998. He also lent his voice to numerous animated projects, including “The Simpsons,” where he voiced characters like Troy McClure and Lionel Hutz. His voice work extended to animated films such as “Kiki’s Delivery Service” (1998), “Buster & Chauncey’s Silent Night” (1998), “The Jetsons” (1985), “Tom & Jerry Kids” (1991–1993), “Eek! The Cat” (1992), “The Critic” (1994), and “The Ren & Stimpy Show” (1996). His versatility and range made him a highly sought-after talent in the entertainment industry.

Net Worth, Estate Value, and Distribution

At the time of his death, Phil Hartman’s net worth was estimated to be $3 million. His estate, valued at approximately $1.23 million, primarily consisted of the value of his home. After adjusting for inflation, this is equivalent to roughly $3 million today. The estate was left to his two children, with distributions scheduled to be made after they reached the age of 25.

Personal Life and Relationships

Hartman’s personal life included three marriages. He first married Gretchen Lewis in 1970, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1972. He later married Lisa Strain in 1982, divorcing her in 1985. His final marriage was to Brynn Omdahl in 1987, with whom he had two children, Sean and Birgen. Their relationship was marked by challenges, including Brynn’s struggles with substance abuse and her reported jealousy of Hartman’s career and interactions with other women. Tragically, this led to a series of events that ended his life.

Death and Legacy: Remembering a Comedy Icon

Phil Hartman’s life was tragically cut short on May 28, 1998, at the age of 49. He was fatally shot by his wife, Brynn, who then took her own life. The loss of Hartman sent shockwaves through the comedy world and left fans heartbroken. His death resulted in the loss of his talents in “NewsRadio” and “The Simpsons”, among many others.

Following his death, “NewsRadio” paid tribute to Hartman and his character, Bill McNeal, in a poignant episode titled “Bill Moves On.” The episode reflected the cast’s genuine grief and respect for Hartman. “The Simpsons” retired his characters and dedicated his final episode, “Bart the Mother,” to him, acknowledging his significant contributions to the show. His legacy continues to live on through his work and the memories he created.

Hartman’s impact on comedy is undeniable. He was a master of impressions, a skilled writer, and a versatile performer. His ability to seamlessly transition between characters and genres, his comedic timing, and his dedication to his craft made him an icon. His colleagues and fans remember him as a kind, generous, and immensely talented individual, and his absence is still felt today.

Hartman’s legacy extends beyond his individual performances. He influenced countless comedians and actors, demonstrating the power of versatility and dedication in the entertainment industry. His work continues to be celebrated, and his contributions to the art of comedy remain significant.

Awards and Nominations

Throughout his career, Phil Hartman received several accolades and nominations for his work. He was nominated for four Primetime Emmys, sharing the award for Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program with his fellow “Saturday Night Live” writers in 1989. He also earned nominations in 1987 and nominations for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program for “SNL” in 1994. In 1998 he received a posthumous nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for “NewsRadio.”

Other nominations included a CableACE Award nomination for Informational or Documentary Host for “How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Special Edition” (1995), Online Film & Television Association Award nominations for Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for “The Simpsons” and Best Supporting Actor in a Series and Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for “NewsRadio” (1998). Hartman also received a posthumous TV Land Award nomination for Broadcaster(s) of the Year for “NewsRadio” (2008) and received stars on Canada’s Walk of Fame (2012) and the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2014). These awards and nominations reflect the significant contributions of Phil Hartman to the comedy and entertainment industry.