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Phil Hartman

Phil Hartman was a Canadian-born American comedian, actor, writer, and voice performer best known for his work on Saturday Night Live, NewsRadio, and The Simpsons.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Phil Hartman was a Canadian-born American comedian, actor, writer, and voice performer. He was best known for his work on Saturday Night Live, NewsRadio, and The Simpsons. Born in Brantford, Ontario, he became one of the most recognizable comic performers of the late 20th century before his death in 1998.

Early life

Hartman was born in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, and his birth name was Philip Edward Hartmann. He later shortened his surname professionally and eventually became a U.S. citizen.

Career

He became widely known through Saturday Night Live, where he performed impersonations and original sketch characters. He later played Bill McNeal on NewsRadio and voiced several recurring characters on The Simpsons. Hartman also worked as a graphic designer before and during the early part of his entertainment career.

Death

Hartman died on May 28, 1998, in Encino, California, after being shot in his sleep. His death was ruled part of a murder-suicide involving his wife, Brynn Hartman.

Legacy

Hartman is remembered as a versatile comic performer whose work influenced television comedy and voice acting. His characters on SNL and The Simpsons remain among his best-known contributions.

Key facts

  • Phil Hartman was born in Brantford, Ontario, and later became a U.S. citizen.
  • He joined Saturday Night Live in 1986 and became known for his impersonations and original characters.
  • He voiced multiple characters on The Simpsons, including Troy McClure and Lionel Hutz.
  • He starred as Bill McNeal on the NBC sitcom NewsRadio from 1995 to 1998.
  • He died in 1998 in Encino, California, in a murder-suicide involving his wife.
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Canadian context

Hartman was born in Brantford, Ontario, making him a Canadian-born figure in American television comedy. His background is often noted in Canadian media and in coverage of Canadian entertainment history.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Phil Hartman?
Phil Hartman was a Canadian-born American comedian, actor, writer, and voice artist known for Saturday Night Live, NewsRadio, and The Simpsons.
Where was Phil Hartman born?
He was born in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, on September 24, 1948.
What was Phil Hartman known for on Saturday Night Live?
He was known for impersonations and original characters, including the Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer and the Anal-Retentive Chef.
Which The Simpsons characters did Phil Hartman voice?
He voiced several characters, including Troy McClure and Lionel Hutz.
How did Phil Hartman die?
He died in 1998 after being shot in his sleep in Encino, California; the case was part of a murder-suicide involving his wife.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Hartman
    Supports: Birth place, career overview, The Simpsons voice roles, death date
  2. CBS News — https://www.cbsnews.com/news/profile-phil-hartman/
    Supports: Birth name, early life in Ontario, career highlights
  3. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Hartman
    Supports: Birth name, nationality, citizenship, death date
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0367005/bio/
    Supports: Birth name, death details, career identifiers
  5. The New Yorker — https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/phil-hartman-remembered
    Supports: Birth in Brantford, Ontario, legacy