25 Years Ago, Legendary Comedian Phil Hartman Died
Twenty-five years after Phil Hartman’s tragic death, his memorable comedic work still brings joy to audiences.https://t.co/oGphqsmJ5M
- CNN (@CNN) May 28, 2023
The legendary comedian Phil Hartman died 25 years ago today. Beloved by his fans and colleagues, Hartman was 49 and riding high in his career at the time of his death - having become famous as a cast member on “Saturday Night Live” and voicing multiple characters on “The Simpsons.” His frequent turns voicing characters like Troy McClure and Lionel Hutz on “The Simpsons” remain fan favorites.
Hartman was fatally shot by his wife Brynn Omdahl on May 28, 1998 before she died by suicide hours later, as their children slept. The tragedy that unfolded inside their home in Encino, California, came as a shock to the public.
In an interview shortly before his death, Hartman reflected on his appreciation for his life and the success he had found.
“I think in my old age, I’ve come to realize just how precious everything is and I try to value the many blessings that have been bestowed upon me,” Hartman said. “But there’s also this sense of vulnerability if fortune took a turn for the worse, and that you live with the awareness that anything could happen in this world.”
Hartman's two children, now in their 30s, declined to be interviewed for CNN's story. His son is a graphic designer and his daughter is a children's consent educator.
Hartman's brother is trying to get him a posthumous Oscar using animations Hartman drew to make into a short film.
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