Phil Hartman
The most interesting thing about Phil Hartman is probably his death; it was the most unexpected thing. I remember sitting in my living room, and a newsflash interrupted the show I was watching saying that Brynn (Phil Hartman’s wife) had shot him and he had died. The newspapers were flooded with the story, and Star Magazine made up their version of the story.
Phil Hartman was 49 when his wife shot him and killed him. There had been evidence of a struggle but she shot before he could get away. The police came couple hour later responding to gunshots; at that point Brynn was still alive. When the police were removing Phil’s children, she turned the gun on herself.
Phil was born September 24, 1948 in Canada, he began his career as a comedian in the mid 70’s. His first big brake into television was when he was enrolled into the cast of Saturday night Live in 1986. Phil was a straight man, never really the funny man, similar to George Burns; he set people up for what they had to say. His most famous character was probably Ed McMahon. In 1989 he received an Emmy along with the writing staff of SNL. He left the Cast in 1994 after giving the show eight great seasons.
After that he went on to star in the low rated show newsradio, it was about a bunch of nitwits who ran a radio news station, Phil playing the anchor. The show got a few seasons in but went downhill after Phil died, the public just weren’t satisfied with John Lovitz.
Phil also made guest appearance on the Simpson’s returning as several Characters. Among the favorites were Troy McClure and Lionel Hertz.
Phil also starred in several movies including Small Soldiers, Jingle All The Way, Houseguest, and Coneheads.
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