Phil Hartman & Brynn Hartman: The Murder-Suicide That Left Two Children Orphaned Overnight
An SNL legend was shot in his sleep by his wife — their two children were in the house
Key Facts
What Happened
Phil Hartman was one of the most beloved comedians in America — a Saturday Night Live legend, the voice of Troy McClure on The Simpsons, and a star of the NBC sitcom NewsRadio. He married Brynn Omdahl in 1987, and they had two children: Sean (born 1988) and Birgen (born 1992). But behind the professional success, the marriage was troubled. Brynn struggled with substance abuse (alcohol and cocaine), jealousy over Phil's career, and feelings of inadequacy. Phil reportedly considered divorce but feared the impact on their children.
On the evening of May 27, 1998, Brynn had dinner with a friend at an Italian restaurant in Encino, California, where she drank alcohol. After returning home, she and Phil had a heated argument — reportedly about her career frustrations and his busy schedule. Phil went to bed. Sometime before 3:00 a.m. on May 28, Brynn entered the bedroom with a .38-caliber Smith & Wesson revolver and shot Phil three times — once between the eyes, once in the throat, and once in the upper chest — while he slept. A toxicology report later showed Brynn had consumed alcohol, cocaine, and the antidepressant Zoloft.
After killing Phil, Brynn drove to the home of friend Ron Douglas and confessed. He did not believe her. They drove back to the Hartman home separately, where Douglas saw Phil's body and called 911 at 6:20 a.m. Police arrived and evacuated Douglas and the two children — Sean, 9, and Birgen, 6 — from the house. Brynn locked herself in the bedroom with Phil's body. As police prepared to enter, they heard a single gunshot. Brynn had killed herself.
The murder-suicide devastated Hollywood and raised questions about substance abuse, untreated mental health issues, and the warning signs that go unnoticed even by those closest to the situation. Phil's friend and SNL colleague Jon Lovitz publicly blamed NewsRadio co-star Andy Dick for reintroducing Brynn to cocaine after a period of sobriety, triggering the relapse that preceded the tragedy. Sean and Birgen were raised by Brynn's sister Katharine Wright in Wisconsin. A wrongful death lawsuit filed on the children's behalf was settled for undisclosed terms. Phil Hartman's estate was valued at approximately $1.23 million.
Legal Breakdown: Safety Planning
Substance Abuse as a Ticking Time Bomb in Marriage
Brynn Hartman's substance abuse was a known, ongoing problem. She had periods of sobriety followed by relapses. The combination of alcohol, cocaine, and prescription medication on the night of the murder created a catastrophically impaired mental state. If your spouse has substance abuse issues, this is not just a 'personal problem' — it is a safety issue for the entire family. Intervention, treatment, and in some cases, separation are necessary to protect yourself and your children.
When Separation Is Delayed for the Children's Sake
Phil Hartman reportedly considered divorce but stayed in the marriage because he feared the impact on Sean and Birgen. This is one of the most common reasons people delay leaving troubled marriages. But the tragic irony is that by staying, both parents died violently and the children were orphaned. Sometimes leaving a marriage IS the best thing you can do for your children — especially when substance abuse or instability makes the home environment dangerous.
The Importance of Guardianship Planning
One small mercy in this tragedy: Phil and Brynn had designated Brynn's sister Katharine Wright as guardian for the children in their will. This allowed Sean and Birgen to be placed in a stable home immediately rather than becoming wards of the state. Every parent — especially those in troubled marriages — should have a legally binding guardianship designation in their will or trust. This is particularly critical in blended families or families with substance abuse issues.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →If your spouse has a substance abuse problem, treat it as a family safety issue, not just a personal struggle. Al-Anon (1-888-425-2666) provides support for families of addicts.
- →Staying in a dangerous marriage 'for the children' can result in the worst possible outcome for those same children. Consult a therapist and attorney about the safest path forward.
- →Every parent should designate a legal guardian for their children in a will or trust. This is especially urgent if your marriage is unstable.
- →If you or someone you know is mixing alcohol with drugs or medication and exhibiting erratic behavior, intervene immediately. Call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) if there is immediate danger.
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