What was Phil Hartman’s net worth when he died?

Phil Hartman: More Than Just a Funny Man – His Net Worth at Death

We all remember Phil Hartman, right? The “Man of a Thousand Voices,” the guy who could make you cry with laughter on Saturday Night Live and NewsRadio. But beyond the characters and the impeccable comedic timing, what about his financial story? When he tragically passed away on May 28, 1998, Hartman had built up an estimated net worth of $3 million. Not bad for a guy who started out as a graphic artist!

Think about it: from creating album covers to becoming a comedic icon, Phil’s journey was pretty remarkable. His time on Saturday Night Live from ’86 to ’94 cemented his place in comedy history. Who could forget his impressions? And then came NewsRadio, where he played the unforgettable Bill McNeal. Word on the street was he was pulling in around $50,000 an episode during his NewsRadio days. That definitely adds up!

Now, let’s talk about his estate. At the time, it was valued around $1.23 million. But, you know, factoring in inflation, that’s closer to $3 million in today’s money. A big chunk of that was tied up in his home.

Here’s where it gets a little complicated, and really sad. Phil’s will initially had his wife, Brynn, as the main beneficiary. But with her passing too, everything went to their two kids, Sean and Birgen.

The plan was pretty thoughtful: the kids would get a third of the inheritance when they turned 25 or finished college. Then half of what was left at 30, and the rest at 35. It’s a way to make sure they were taken care of, but also had some guidance along the way.

After the tragedy, Brynn’s sister, Katherine Wright, and her husband, Mike, stepped up to become legal guardians. The estate even set aside $50,000 for Katherine to help with raising Sean and Birgen, plus access to the trust for any other needs. It’s a small comfort, but it shows how much Phil cared about his family’s future.

So, yeah, Phil Hartman was worth about $3 million when he died. But honestly, his legacy is worth so much more. He left us with so many laughs, and that’s something you can’t put a price on. He was a true talent, and he’s still missed by so many.