Early Life and Career
Philip Edward Hartman was born in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, in 1948. He studied graphic arts at California State University, Northridge, before transitioning into comedy and television writing.
Saturday Night Live and Beyond
Hartman joined Saturday Night Live in 1991 and became known for his impressions and characters, including Bill Clinton and Troy McClure. He also co-wrote scripts for SNL and later starred in the sitcom NewsRadio.
Legacy and Death
Hartman was murdered by his wife, Brynn Hartman, in 1998. His death prompted discussions about mental health and celebrity pressures. The biography Phil Hartman biography details his career and impact on comedy.
