The Legendary Phil Hartman: A Master Of Comedy

Who was Phil Hartman?

Phil Hartman was a Canadian-American actor, comedian, screenwriter, and graphic artist. He was a cast member on the NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live from 1986 to 1994, and later starred in the sitcom NewsRadio from 1995 to 1998.

Hartman was born in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, on September 24, 1954. He began his career as a graphic artist, but eventually transitioned to acting. He made his film debut in the 1982 comedy Airplane II: The Sequel, and went on to appear in a number of films and television shows, including Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985), Scrooged (1988), Coneheads (1993), and Jingle All the Way (1996).

Hartman was known for his versatility as an actor, and was able to play a wide range of characters, from the lovable Lionel Lumpkin on NewsRadio to the villainous Captain Cutler in Jingle All the Way. He was also a talented voice actor, and provided voices for a number of animated films and television shows, including The Simpsons, Futurama, and Kung Fu Panda.

Hartman was married twice, first to Gretchen Lewis from 1975 to 1982, and then to Brynn Omdahl from 1987 until his death in 1998. He had two children, Sean and Birgen.

Hartman was tragically killed by his wife, Brynn, on May 28, 1998. He was 43 years old.

Phil Hartman

Phil Hartman was a Canadian-American actor, comedian, screenwriter, and graphic artist. He was best known for his work on the NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live and the sitcom NewsRadio.

• Actor
• Comedian
• Screenwriter
• Graphic artist
• Saturday Night Live
• NewsRadio
• Versatility
• Tragedy

Hartman was a versatile actor who was able to play a wide range of characters. He was also a talented voice actor, and provided voices for a number of animated films and television shows. Hartman's death in 1998 was a tragedy, and he is still remembered as one of the most talented comedians of his generation.

1. Actor

Phil Hartman was a Canadian-American actor best known for his work on the NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live and the sitcom NewsRadio. He was known for his versatility as an actor, and was able to play a wide range of characters, from the lovable Lionel Lumpkin on NewsRadio to the villainous Captain Cutler in Jingle All the Way.

• Range
  

  Hartman was able to play a wide range of characters, from the lovable Lionel Lumpkin on NewsRadio to the villainous Captain Cutler in Jingle All the Way. He was also a talented voice actor, and provided voices for a number of animated films and television shows, including The Simpsons, Futurama, and Kung Fu Panda.

• Versatility
  

  Hartman's versatility as an actor allowed him to play a wide range of characters, from the lovable Lionel Lumpkin on NewsRadio to the villainous Captain Cutler in Jingle All the Way. He was also able to switch between comedic and dramatic roles with ease.

• Timing
  

  Hartman had a great sense of comic timing, which was evident in his work on Saturday Night Live and NewsRadio. He was able to deliver his lines with precision and wit, and he always knew how to get a laugh from the audience.

• Physicality
  

  Hartman was also a gifted physical comedian. He was able to use his body to create a wide range of characters, from the bumbling Lionel Lumpkin to the suave Captain Cutler. His physical comedy was always inventive and hilarious.

Hartman's work as an actor was truly groundbreaking. He was able to create a wide range of memorable characters that continue to entertain audiences today. He was a master of his craft, and his legacy as an actor will continue to inspire and entertain for generations to come.

2. Comedian

Phil Hartman was a Canadian-American comedian best known for his work on the NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live and the sitcom NewsRadio. He was known for his sharp wit, his ability to deliver a punchline, and his wide range of characters.

Hartman's comedy was often observational, drawing on his own experiences and the people he encountered in everyday life. He was a master of satire, and he was able to find the humor in even the most mundane situations. Hartman was also a gifted mimic, and he was able to create a wide range of characters, from politicians to celebrities to everyday people.

Hartman's work as a comedian was groundbreaking. He was one of the first comedians to use satire to comment on current events, and he was able to do so in a way that was both funny and insightful. Hartman's work helped to change the face of comedy, and he continues to be an inspiration to comedians today.

3. Screenwriter

Phil Hartman was a Canadian-American actor, comedian, screenwriter, and graphic artist. He was best known for his work on the NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live and the sitcom NewsRadio. Hartman also wrote several screenplays, including the 1995 film Houseguest and the 1997 film Sgt. Bilko.

Hartman's work as a screenwriter is often overlooked, but it is an important part of his legacy. His screenplays are clever and funny, and they often feature the same sharp wit and satire that was evident in his work on Saturday Night Live and NewsRadio.

One of Hartman's most notable screenplays is Houseguest. The film tells the story of a homeless man (played by Sinbad) who moves in with a wealthy family (played by Phil Hartman and Lara Flynn Boyle). The film is a clever and funny look at the clash between two very different worlds. Hartman's screenplay is full of sharp dialogue and memorable characters.

Hartman's other screenplay, Sgt. Bilko, is a remake of the classic 1950s sitcom. The film stars Steve Martin as Sgt. Bilko, a con man who is always looking for a way to make a quick buck. Hartman's screenplay is a faithful adaptation of the original series, and it captures the show's unique blend of comedy and satire.

Hartman's work as a screenwriter is a valuable addition to his legacy as a comedian and actor. His screenplays are clever, funny, and insightful. They are a reminder of his talent and his ability to make people laugh.

4. Graphic Artist

Phil Hartman was also a talented graphic artist. He began his career as a graphic designer, and he continued to work as an artist throughout his life. Hartman's graphic art was often humorous and satirical, and it reflected his unique perspective on the world.

• Early Work
  

  Hartman's early graphic art was often political satire. He created a series of posters and T-shirts that criticized the Vietnam War and the Nixon administration. His work was often controversial, but it was also praised for its wit and originality.

• Saturday Night Live
  

  During his time on Saturday Night Live, Hartman created a number of memorable graphic art pieces. He designed the show's famous "Coneheads" sketch, and he also created the opening titles for the show's 15th season. Hartman's graphic art was an important part of the show's visual identity.

• Later Work
  

  After leaving Saturday Night Live, Hartman continued to work as a graphic artist. He created a number of album covers for his friends and colleagues, and he also designed the logo for the rock band The Kids in the Hall. Hartman's graphic art was always inventive and humorous, and it reflected his unique personality.

Hartman's work as a graphic artist is an important part of his legacy. His art was often humorous and satirical, and it reflected his unique perspective on the world. Hartman was a talented artist, and his work continues to inspire and entertain people today.

5. Saturday Night Live

Saturday Night Live (SNL) is an American sketch comedy and variety show that has aired on NBC since 1975. The show is known for its political satire, celebrity impersonations, and original comedy sketches. Phil Hartman was a cast member on SNL from 1986 to 1994, and he was one of the show's most popular and versatile performers.

• Cast Member
  

  Hartman was a cast member on SNL for eight seasons, from 1986 to 1994. During that time, he performed in a wide range of sketches and characters. He was known for his impersonations of celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton. He also created a number of original characters, such as the Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer and the Anal Retentive Chef.

• Writer
  

  In addition to performing in sketches, Hartman also wrote for SNL. He wrote a number of memorable sketches, including the "Coneheads" sketch and the "Weekend Update" segment. Hartman's writing was known for its wit and satire, and he was one of the show's most valuable contributors.

• Producer
  

  In addition to his work as a cast member and writer, Hartman also served as a producer on SNL. He was responsible for overseeing the show's production and ensuring that it ran smoothly. Hartman was a key member of the SNL team, and he played an important role in the show's success.

• Legacy
  

  Hartman left SNL in 1994, but he remained a popular figure in the comedy world. He went on to star in a number of films and television shows, including NewsRadio and The Simpsons. Hartman was a talented and versatile performer, and he is considered one of the greatest SNL cast members of all time.

Hartman's work on SNL helped to shape the show's identity. He was a master of sketch comedy and satire, and he was able to create a wide range of memorable characters. Hartman's legacy as an SNL cast member is secure, and he will always be remembered as one of the show's most beloved performers.

6. NewsRadio

NewsRadio was an American sitcom that aired on NBC from 1995 to 1998. The show was created by Paul Simms, and it starred Dave Foley, Stephen Root, Maura Tierney, Vicki Lewis, Andy Dick, Jon Lovitz, and Phil Hartman. Hartman played the role of Bill McNeal, the station manager of WNYX, a fictional all-news radio station in New York City.

Hartman was one of the most popular and versatile performers on NewsRadio. He was able to deliver a wide range of emotions, from the hilarious to the heartwarming. Hartman's character, Bill McNeal, was often the voice of reason in the midst of the show's chaos. He was also a loving and supportive husband and father.

Hartman's work on NewsRadio helped to make the show a success. He was a key member of the cast, and his absence was felt after he left the show in 1998. Hartman's legacy as a NewsRadio cast member is secure, and he will always be remembered as one of the show's most beloved performers.

7. Versatility

Phil Hartman was known for his versatility as an actor, comedian, screenwriter, and graphic artist. He was able to play a wide range of characters, from the lovable Lionel Lumpkin on NewsRadio to the villainous Captain Cutler in Jingle All the Way. He was also a talented voice actor, and provided voices for a number of animated films and television shows, including The Simpsons, Futurama, and Kung Fu Panda.

• Range
  

  Hartman was able to play a wide range of characters, from the lovable Lionel Lumpkin on NewsRadio to the villainous Captain Cutler in Jingle All the Way. He was also able to switch between comedic and dramatic roles with ease.

• Timing
  

  Hartman had a great sense of comic timing, which was evident in his work on Saturday Night Live and NewsRadio. He was able to deliver his lines with precision and wit, and he always knew how to get a laugh from the audience.

• Physicality
  

  Hartman was also a gifted physical comedian. He was able to use his body to create a wide range of characters, from the bumbling Lionel Lumpkin to the suave Captain Cutler. His physical comedy was always inventive and hilarious.

• Intelligence
  

  Hartman was a very intelligent man, and he was able to bring this intelligence to his work. He was able to understand and portray the motivations of his characters, and he always brought a sense of depth and realism to his performances.

Hartman's versatility was one of his greatest strengths as an actor. He was able to play a wide range of characters, and he always brought a sense of professionalism and dedication to his work. He was a truly gifted performer, and his legacy will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for generations to come.

8. Tragedy

Phil Hartman's death was a tragedy. He was a talented actor, comedian, screenwriter, and graphic artist who was taken from us too soon. His death is a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing our loved ones.

Hartman's death was also a tragedy for his family and friends. He was a beloved husband and father, and his loss is still felt deeply by those who knew him. His death is a reminder of the importance of supporting our loved ones and being there for them in their time of need.

Hartman's death is also a tragedy for the world of entertainment. He was a unique and talented performer who brought joy to millions of people. His death is a reminder of the importance of art and laughter in our lives.

We can learn from Hartman's death by living our lives to the fullest and cherishing the people we love. We can also learn from his death by supporting the arts and by being there for our loved ones in their time of need.

FAQs about Phil Hartman

Here are some frequently asked questions about Phil Hartman, a Canadian-American actor, comedian, screenwriter, and graphic artist known for his work on Saturday Night Live and NewsRadio:

Phil Hartman was tragically killed by his wife, Brynn Omdahl, on May 28, 1998. He was 43 years old.

Phil Hartman is best known for his work on the NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live, where he was a cast member from 1986 to 1994. He was also known for his role as Bill McNeal on the sitcom NewsRadio, which aired from 1995 to 1998.

At the time of his death, Phil Hartman's net worth was estimated to be around $3 million.

Phil Hartman was married twice. His first wife was Gretchen Lewis, and his second wife was Brynn Omdahl.

Phil Hartman had two children, Sean and Birgen.

Phil Hartman was a talented actor, comedian, screenwriter, and graphic artist who left a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry. His work continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.

Conclusion

Phil Hartman was a talented actor, comedian, screenwriter, and graphic artist who left a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry. He was best known for his work on the NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live and the sitcom NewsRadio. Hartman was a versatile performer who was able to play a wide range of characters, from the lovable Lionel Lumpkin on NewsRadio to the villainous Captain Cutler in Jingle All the Way. He was also a talented voice actor, and provided voices for a number of animated films and television shows, including The Simpsons, Futurama, and Kung Fu Panda.

Hartman's death in 1998 was a tragedy. He was a beloved husband and father, and his loss is still felt deeply by those who knew him. His death is a reminder of the importance of cherishing our loved ones and being there for them in their time of need.