Phil Hartman
Canadian-American comedian and SNL cast member nicknamed 'Glue'.
via Wikipedia: Phil Hartman · see source
Phil Hartman was a Canadian-American comedian, actor, writer, and graphic designer. Born in Brantford, Ontario, he was the fourth of eight children in a Catholic family. When he was ten, his family moved to the United States, living in Maine and Connecticut before settling in Los Angeles, where he attended Westchester High School and often acted as the class clown. After studying art at Santa Monica City College and dropping out to work as a roadie for a rock band, he returned to school at California State University, Northridge to study graphic arts. He ran his own graphic design business, creating over forty album covers for bands such as Poco and America, as well as advertising and the logo for Crosby, Stills & Nash. In the late 1970s, he made his first television appearance on *The Dating Game*, which he won.
Seeking a more social outlet for his talents, Hartman began taking comedy classes with the Groundlings in 1975. He formally joined the troupe after redesigning their logo and merchandise, and by 1979 was one of its stars. There he befriended Paul Reubens, and together they created the Pee-wee Herman character. Hartman played Captain Carl in the live stage show and later on *Pee-wee's Playhouse*, and co-wrote the film *Pee-wee's Big Adventure*. He also performed voice-over roles on shows like *The Smurfs* and *The 13 Ghosts of Scooby-Doo*, and worked on automated dialogue replacement for films including *Spaceballs*. After a creative disagreement with Reubens, he left the project.
Hartman joined *Saturday Night Live* in 1986, recommended by fellow Groundlings and cast members. Over eight seasons, he performed more than seventy different characters and impressions, including Frank Sinatra and Ronald Reagan. Nicknamed "Glue" for his ability to hold the show together and assist other cast members, he won a Primetime Emmy Award in 1989. After leaving SNL in 1994, he starred as Bill McNeal on *NewsRadio* and voiced Lionel Hutz and Troy McClure on *The Simpsons*. He also appeared in films such as *Houseguest*, *Sgt. Bilko*, *Jingle All the Way*, and *Small Soldiers*. Hartman was married three times, and his final marriage was troubled by his work schedule and his wife’s substance abuse. In 1998, while he slept, his wife shot and killed him before taking her own life. He was posthumously inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2012 and the Hollywood Walk o
- born
- September 24, 1948, Brantford, Ontario, Canada
- died
- May 28, 1998, killed by his wife Brynn Omdahl
- field
- Comedian, actor, screenwriter, graphic designer
- nationality
- Canadian and American
- known_for
- Saturday Night Live cast member, NewsRadio star, voice of Lionel Hutz and Troy M
Verified Timeline
Quick Facts
- Birth Name
- Phillip Edward Hartmann
- Birth Date
- 1948-09-24
- Birth Place
- Brantford, Ontario, Canada
- Death Date
- 1998-05-28
- Death Place
- Los Angeles, California, U.S.
- Citizenship
- Canada · United States
- Education
- California State University, Northridge (BA)
- Occupation
- Actor · comedian · screenwriter · graphic designer
- Years Active
- 1969–1998
- Television
- Saturday Night Live, Pee-wee's Playhouse, NewsRadio
- Spouse
- Gretchen Lewis · 1970 · 1972 · reason=divorced · Lisa Strain · 1982 · 1985 · reason=divorced · Brynn Omdahl · 1987
- Children
- 2
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Phil Hartman was born Philip Edward Hartmann on September 24, 1948, in Brantford, Ontario, the fourth of eight children. His family moved to the United States when he was ten, living first in Lewiston, Maine, then Meriden, Connecticut, and eventually Los Angeles, where he attended Westchester High School. After studying at Santa Monica City College and dropping out in 1969 to be a roadie, he returned to school in 1972 to study graphic arts at California State University, Northridge. He ran his own graphic art business, creating over 40 album covers for bands including Poco and America, plus the logo for Crosby, Stills & Nash. In 1975, he joined the Groundlings, where he befriended Paul Reubens and together they created the character Pee-wee Herman. Hartman co-wrote the script for *Pee-wee's Big Adventure* (1985) and played Captain Carl on *Pee-wee's Playhouse*. He joined *Saturday Night Live* in its 12th season, starting October 11, 1986, and stayed eight seasons. Nicknamed 'Glue'—coined by Jan Hooks according to Mike Thomas's biography—he was known for impressions including Bill Clinton, Frank Sinatra, Ronald Reagan, and Ed McMahon. He won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program in 1989. After leaving SNL in 1994, he starred as Bill McNeal on *NewsRadio* starting in 1995. He voiced Lionel Hutz and Troy McClure on *The Simpsons* and appeared in films *Houseguest* (1995), *Sgt. Bilko* (1996), *Jingle All the Way* (1996), and *Small Soldiers* (1998). Hartman married Brynn Omdahl in 1987; they had two children. Their marriage was troubled due to his busy work schedule and her substance abuse and domestic violence. On May 28, 1998, while Phil was sleeping, Brynn shot and killed him, then killed herself. He was posthumously inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in 2012 and the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2014.
Reader's Guide
Phil Hartman's significance comes from his versatile comedic talent and his role as a stabilizing force on *Saturday Night Live* during a period of cast turnover. His nickname 'Glue'—coined by Jan Hooks—reflected his ability to support other cast members and hold sketches together. SNL creator Lorne Michaels said, 'He kind of held the show together. He gave to everybody and demanded very little.' His impressions, particularly of Bill Clinton, became cultural touchstones; Clinton himself sent Hartman a signed photo reading, 'You're not the president, but you play one on TV. And you're OK, mostly.' Hartman's work on *The Simpsons* created enduring characters like Lionel Hutz and Troy McClure, and his lead role as Bill McNeal on *NewsRadio* showcased his sitcom skills. His legacy is also marked by the tragic circumstances of his death, which cut short a career spanning television, film, and voice acting. Posthumous honors include inductions into Canada's Walk of Fame in 2012 and the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2014.
Did You Know?
- Hartman designed album covers for bands including Poco and America, and created the logo for Crosby, Stills & Nash.
- His nickname 'Glue' was coined by fellow SNL cast member Jan Hooks, according to Mike Thomas's biography.
- Hartman first performed his Bill Clinton impression on *The Tonight Show*; Clinton later sent him a signed photo with a playful message.
- He won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program for SNL in 1989.
- Hartman was posthumously inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in 2012 and the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2014.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Phil Hartman?
Phil Hartman was a Canadian-American comedian, actor, screenwriter, and graphic designer born in Brantford, Ontario, in 1948. He is most remembered for his eight-season run on Saturday Night Live and his lead role as Bill McNeal on the sitcom NewsRadio.
Why was Phil Hartman nicknamed 'Glue' on SNL?
Fellow cast members gave him that nickname because of his uncanny ability to keep the show's tone and energy cohesive from one sketch to the next. He functioned as a stabilizing creative presence behind the scenes while also performing in front of the camera.
What are Phil Hartman's most famous roles outside of SNL?
He starred as the exasperated producer Bill McNeal on NewsRadio and voiced the recurring characters Lionel Hutz and Troy McClure on The Simpsons. He also co-wrote the screenplay for Pee-wee's Big Adventure.
How did Phil Hartman's life end?
Hartman was tragically killed by his wife, Brynn Omdahl, on May 28, 1998, in Los Angeles. His death at age forty-nine abruptly ended what many consider one of comedy's most versatile and beloved careers.
Why is Phil Hartman important to comedy history?
He moved fluidly between sketch comedy, sitcoms, voice acting, and screenwriting with a rare range that shaped a generation of performers. His simultaneous presence on SNL, NewsRadio, and The Simpsons made him a cross-medium comedy icon whose influence still echoes in the field.
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