Philip Edward Hartmann was born in 1948 in Brantford, Ontario, before eventually establishing a career as a versatile actor, comedian, and graphic designer in the United States. His professional trajectory spanned from early work designing album covers for bands like Poco and America to becoming a central figure in American television comedy during the late twentieth century.
Early Career and Graphic Design
Before achieving prominence in performance, Hartman studied at Santa Monica College and California State University, Northridge, earning a degree in graphic arts. He operated his own design business, producing advertising materials and approximately 40 album covers. His visual work included the logo for the musical group Crosby, Stills & Nash. In 1975, seeking a social outlet for his interests, he enrolled in classes with The Groundlings. He eventually joined the troupe, supporting himself by redesigning their promotional materials while developing his skills as an improvisational performer.
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At The Groundlings, Hartman formed a professional partnership with Paul Reubens, contributing to the development of the character Pee-wee Herman. He appeared in the 1981 HBO special The Pee-wee Herman Show and the children's television program Pee-wee's Playhouse as Captain Carl. Hartman also co-wrote the 1985 feature film Pee-wee's Big Adventure, in which he appeared in a cameo role as a reporter. During this period, he recorded voice-over work for various animated series, including The Smurfs and Challenge of the GoBots.
Saturday Night Live and Television Success
Hartman joined the cast of NBC's Saturday Night Live in 1986, where he remained for eight seasons. Often referred to as Glue for his role in stabilizing the show, he performed over 70 distinct characters and earned a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series in 1989. His repertoire featured impressions of public figures such as Frank Sinatra and Bill Clinton. Following his departure from the show in 1994, he starred as Bill McNeal in the sitcom NewsRadio and provided voices for characters including Troy McClure and Lionel Hutz on The Simpsons.
Final Years and Legacy
In the 1990s, Hartman appeared in several films, including Houseguest, Sgt. Bilko, Jingle All the Way, and Small Soldiers. In 1998, while living in Encino, he was killed by his wife, Brynn Omdahl, who subsequently died by suicide. Following his death, he was posthumously inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in 2012 and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2014. He is buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
Fast facts
- Born: 1948, Brantford
- Died: 1998, Encino
- Citizenship: Canada, United States
- Primetime Emmy Award: 1989
- Canada's Walk of Fame: 2012
- Hollywood Walk of Fame: 2014
- Burial site: Forest Lawn Memorial Park
Questions readers ask
What was Phil Hartman's original career path?
He was a graphic designer who created album covers for bands like America and Poco, and designed the logo for Crosby, Stills & Nash.
What was his nickname on Saturday Night Live?
He was nicknamed Glue because of his ability to help other cast members and stabilize the production.
Achievements
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series — 1989
- Educated at California State University, Northridge, Redondo Union High School and The Groundlings
- Worked as comedian, screenwriter and graphic designer
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