about Phil
(what I didn't already know, l found at imdb.com)
Birthname: Phillip Edward Hartmann (I assume he dropped the extra "n" just for simplicity's sake - several siblings have done the same).Professional name: Phil Hartman (obviously)
Also credited as: Phil Hartmann, Phillip E. Hartmann.
Nicknames: The Glue (given by fellow SNL cast members, because he held the show together); The Sultan of Smarm (for his knack for playing smarmy characters - ex: Bill McNeal, Lionel Hutz).
Height: 5 ft. 11 in.
Hair: Brown (light, nearly blonde when he was younger, darkened - either naturally or otherwise - later on)
Eyes: I would say Grey-Hazel
Birth: September 24, 1948. Brantford, Ontario, Canada (spent much of his life in, and loved, California, and moved back here after his run on Saturday Night Live).
Death: May 28, 1998. Encino, California. Homicide (that was one of the most difficult things I've ever typed).
Family: One of 8 children (Phil was the "middle child"). Had two children of his own; son Sean, daughter Birgen.
Fast facts:
- Majored in graphic design in college, and designed album covers and logos for many musicians, including: Poco (the horse from the "Legend" cover); Crosby, Stills, and Nash (designed one of their logos); America (painted the cover of "America's Greatest Hits: History"). He was credited as Phil Hartmann in his art (his "Hartmann" signature can be seen on some of the pieces).
- the cover of "America's Greatest Hits: History" (opens in a new window)
- A poster of Poco's "Legend" album cover hangs in the Sacramento, California Hard Rock Cafe'. It makes me smile (and want to cry) everytime I see it. It may be in other Hard Rocks, also, but I live in Sacramento, so I know that one for sure.
- I'm assuming here, but I think Dave's (Dave Foley's character on NewsRadio) obsession with the song "A Horse With No Name" by America is probably a reference to Phil's artwork for them.
- Phil became a U.S. Citizen in the early 1990s.
- Raised Catholic, and recited The Lord's Prayer before every taping of Saturday Night Live to relax himself.
- Was originally signed on to play the role of Zapp Brannigan in the Matt Groening-created animated series "Futurama" before his death. The role instead went to Billy West (of "Ren & Stimpy" fame), whose main character, Phillip J. Fry, was named in honor of Hartman.
- Once worked as a roadie -- the memory that stood out most to him during this time was the night he held up a drum kit, so it wouldn't slide down and hit Jimi Hendrix. Hendrix looked down at him and said "hang on, roadie man!"
- Helped create the infamous character Pee-Wee Herman, when he and Paul Reubens worked in the acting group "The Groundlings" together. He co-wrote the film, "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure" at Reubens' request. Phil also played Captain Carl on the "Pee-Wee's Playhouse" series.
- Also met Jon Lovitz at The Groundlings. Lovitz remained a very close friend, worked with him on SNL, and joined the cast of NewsRadio after Phil's untimely death.
- Last known television appearance was a "3rd Rock from the Sun" episode called "Eat, Drink, Dick, Mary." It aired May 20, 1998 - just eight days before his death.