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Disturbing Case Of The Simpsons Star Who Was Horrifically Murdered
Warning: This article contains content some readers may find distressing.
Fan-favourite The Simpsons star Phil Hartman died at age 49 after he was horrifically murdered.
The Simpsons has been on our TV screens since 1987, with the early seasons serving as comedy gold for millions of viewers.
Its cartoon characters have become iconic worldwide, while the sitcom has also become known for its seemingly uncanny ability to predict future events.
Yet many fans don’t know that there’s actually a tragic and dark story behind one of its most beloved voice actors.
Phil Hartman, a much-loved cast member, voiced a range of characters in The Simpsons, including washed-up actor Troy McClure, shady lawyer Lionel Hutz, and monorail salesman Lyle Lanley.
In the first 10 seasons of the show, the Canadian-American star appeared in 52 episodes and played 19 different characters.
Outside of The Simpsons, Hartman was known for roles in Seinfeld, Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, and Saturday Night Live.
Hartman’s castmates on SNL gave him the nickname ‘Glue’ for holding the show together for eight seasons.
Off-screen Hartman was raising then nine-year-old son Sean and six-year-old daughter Birgen with his wife of 10 years, Brynn.
Although Hartman’s life appeared picturesque on the outside, it’s said things were fraught at home.
His wife is believed to have struggled with alcohol and coc**ne addiction throughout her life.
At some point, Brynn reportedly relapsed.
A day before Hartman’s tragic death, on May 27, 1998, Brynn visited an Italian bistro with a friend, television producer Christine Zander.
Zander recounted to People magazine that the pair ‘didn’t talk about any problems’ and ‘made plans to see each other the following weekend.’
The couple allegedly got into a ‘heated’ argument when Brynn returned home.
According to Steven Small, Hartman’s friend and attorney, the actor had ‘made it very clear’ that if his wife started using drugs again, he would leave her.
Then, in the early hours of May 28, shortly before 3:00 a.m. and while Hartman lay in bed, he was killed by his wife. Their two children were asleep at the time.
Brynn used a .38 handgun to shoot Hartman three times. He reportedly died instantly from the wounds.
After murdering her husband, Brynn called her long-time friend, Ron Douglas, and appeared at his home where she confessed to the crime.
Douglas didn’t believe Hartman’s wife until he saw the actor’s body for himself.
Whilst Douglas was on the phone with the police, Brynn locked herself in the bedroom with her husband’s body.
Once officers entered the home, she died by s**cide by gunshot while she lay in the bed next to Hartman.
Later, it was reported by The New York Times that the 40-year-old had alcohol, coc**ne, and antidepressants in her system on the night of the murder-su***de.
Police ruled that ‘domestic discord’ was the cause of Hartman’s death.
It’s now been over twenty-five years since Hartman’s passing. Still, he is renowned as one of the greatest comedy and television talents.
Following the death of Hartman and his wife, their children were raised by Brynn’s sister and her husband.
Hartman reportedly left his $1.2 million house to them. They have both kept relatively private lives since.
Related Article: Viewers ‘In Tears’ Watching True Crime Doc About Harry Potter Star’s Horrific Murder
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