Phil Hartman was a comedic character actor virtually without peer. Revered for his talents as an artist, actor, vocal performer and teacher, he served as a surrogate parent to a wide swath of comedians who were lucky enough to work alongside him. After a record-breaking run on “Saturday Night Live” (NBC, 1975- ), he left the show for a starring role on the hit sitcom, “NewsRadio” (NBC, 1995-99). He worked in film and TV for almost two decades, and often mused on his unique celebrity as a household name but not yet a star. Nevertheless, he was grateful for his successes and confident that the right role would one day come. Tragically, he was murdered by his wife in 1998, before that day ever came, plunging the comedy world into mourning for an irreplaceable talent and adding fuel to a supposed “S.N.L.” curse.

Philip Edward Hartmann (he would eventually drop the latter “n”) was born on Sept. 24, 1948 in Brantford, Ontario, Canada. His parents, Rupert and Doris Hartmann, had seven other children and moved their family US while he was still a child. He ended up growing up in Connecticut and Southern California, where he eventually attended Westchester High School in Los Angeles (other sources site Redondo High School). Before he began to pursue a career in comedy, he studied graphic design at California State University at Northridge and after school, worked as a graphic artist. He eventually designed album covers for a number of successful bands, including America, Poco, Steely Dan and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young; also designing CSN&Y’s band logo.

In 1975, Hartman switched gears by becoming a member of the influential Los Angeles comedy group, The Groundlings, after his girlfriend at the time took him to a show for his birthday. As a member, he became part of a talent factory that introduced him to a huge number of gifted performers. One of his fellow Groundlings was Paul Reubens, with whom he would collaborate frequently – most famously when the duo created “Pee-wee Herman,” the plaid suit-wearing creation that Reubens would make famous. In fact, one of Hartman’s first appearances onscreen was as Captain Carl/ Monsieur LeCroc on “The Pee-wee Herman Show” (HBO, 1981). He would resurface as a reporter in the cult film, “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” (1985), which they co-wrote and followed up with the popular kid’s show, “Pee-wee’s Playhouse” (CBS, 1986-1991), in which he again played Captain Carl. Before “Big Adventure,” however, the two also appeared in small roles in 1980’s “Cheech and Chong’s Next Movie” (Reubens played Pee-wee; Harman played a background actor).

Despite working on a consistent basis, Hartman’s pre-1986 career was mostly unremarkable, although his enormous talent as a voice-over actor was growing increasingly evident. He provided voices for characters on a wide variety of animated programs, including the children shows, “Smurfs” (NBC, 1981-1990), "Challenge of the GoBots" (syndicated, 1985-86), and "The 13 Ghosts of Scooby-Doo" (ABC, 1985-86).

In 1986, Hartman appeared in the films “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” and “!Three Amigos!” and most crucially, become a part of the “S.N.L.” cast, alongside such talents as Jon Lovitz, Dana Carvey and Mike Meyers. He would stay with the legendary show for eight years; a record at the time. Although he made frequent appearances in all sorts of sketches, he was best known for his skills as an impressionist, portraying a belligerent Frank Sinatra, an overly inquisitive Phil Donahue and perhaps his most memorable creation, the newly inaugurated president, Bill Clinton – complete w/ thumbs up and perpetual smile. The show’s utility performer could always deliver without breaking character and had a particular gift for playing authority figures full of barely-contained rage. Impressions aside, Hartman was usually written into scenes as a secondary player, not as the sketch star – his “Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer” character being one of the relatively few exceptions. As a result, however, he was written into a huge number of sketches, and became known around the set as “the Glue.”

Hartman was legendary on the “SNL” set for more than his considerable talents as a performer. In his lengthy run on the show, his age, seemingly stable home life and the teaching skills he had developed in The Groundlings made him a mentor and role model to many of the show’s younger players, including Chris Farley, whom he tried to keep away from the drugs that would eventually kill him just five months before Hartman’s own untimely passing.

Hartman’s visibility grew tremendously over the years, thanks mostly to “S.N.L.,” but also to the many characters he voiced on “The Simpsons” (FOX, 1989- ), starting in 1991 – including newsman Troy McClure and Lionel Hutz – and to movie appearances. In 1993 alone, Hartman appeared in three “S.N.L.”-related films: “CB4,” “Coneheads” and “So I Married an Axe Murderer.” After eight years of success on “S.N.L., Hartman sadly left the show in 1994. He would continue appearing in movies, mostly in supporting roles, and as a voice actor, for the duration of his post-late night career.

Hartman’s goal after leaving “S.N.L.” was to start a prime-time variety show of his own, but was beaten to the punch by fellow “S.N.L.” alum (and Canadian) Dana Carvey. As a result, he took on the role of the gruff, authoritarian radio newscaster Bill McNeal on “NewsRadio.” Given the characters he had already played on late night sketch show, the mildly insane McNeal was a perfect fit. Although technically an ensemble comedy, which also featured a brother Canadian in Dave Foley, as well as Joe Rogan, Andy Dick and Maura Tierney, among others, Hartman was its putative star. Just as on “S.N.L.,” Hartman became a father figure to other cast members, particularly Andy Dick, whose well-reported substance abuse problems were similar to Farley’s. The show’s critical acclaim was not met with equivalent ratings, however, and it was nearly cancelled after its fourth season.

On May 28, 1998, literally days after his sitcom’s renewal for a fifth season, Hartman was murdered by his wife Brynn, whose bloodstream contained alcohol, cocaine and the antidepressant, Zoloft. He was shot three times – in the forearm, neck, and head while he slept – reportedly after an argument. Brynn left the house and later came back with a friend to show him her husband’s dead body. When her friend went to call 911, she locked herself in the bedroom along with his lifeless body and, using a second gun, took her own life – all of this with the couple’s two children in the house. Although their marriage had seemed picturesque, after-the-fact reflections suggested that problems had existed below the surface – including his continued dismay over her drug use. Still, the comedy community was sent into deep mourning for their much beloved fellow comic – not only for his on-camera gifts, but for his gracious, loyal friendship as well. His enormous contributions were recognized through a series of tributes and memorials. On June 4, the couple’s bodies were cremated and spread upon Catalina Island, just off the coast of California. Hartman had specifically stated in his will that he wanted the ashes spread on the island because it was the avid boater’s favorite holiday getaway. The Hartman’s orphaned children moved to Wisconsin to be raised by their mother’s sister and brother-in-law. After the comic’s death, Hartman’s good friend from their “S.N.L.” days, Jon Lovitz, attempted to fill the void as Max Lewis on “NewsRadio,” but the struggling show's ratings dropped in the wake of the double homicide and the show later fizzled out, ending in 1999.