In a recent interview, Phil Hartman’s brother-in-law breaks his silence about the comedian’s untimely death at the hands of his sister.
It has been 20 years since Brynn Hartman shot her husband and then took her own life, leaving behind a grieving family and shocked fans.
Phil Hartman was a beloved member of Saturday Night Live and had also worked on The Simpsons.
His career was flourishing, but his personal life was marred by tragedy.
In 1998, Brynn shot him in the head after returning home drunk and high on cocaine, with the antidepressant Zoloft in her system.
Greg Omdahl, Brynn’s brother, later sued Pfizer, the maker of Zoloft, claiming that the drug had impaired her judgment.
In an emotional interview for the ABC special, “The Last Days of Phil Hartman,” Omdahl shares his thoughts on the devastating events that unfolded.
Losing both a sister and a brother-in-law was a profound blow for Greg.
He describes the impact as a “gut punch” upon learning the truth about what happened.
He expresses his disbelief, stating that he could never imagine his sister committing such a heinous act.
Phil and Brynn married in 1987, shortly after his second divorce.
At the time, Phil was on the rise in his career, while Brynn aspired to be an actress or model.
However, her dreams were overshadowed by a cocaine addiction that plagued their relationship.
Despite attempts at treatment, her addiction persisted, leading to increasing jealousy and insecurity.
Friends and family noticed worrying signs in Brynn’s behavior.
Phil’s second wife, Lisa, received a threatening letter from Brynn, filled with rage and even death threats.
Norman Bryn, Phil’s make-up artist on SNL, recalls hearing arguments between the couple backstage.
The strain in their marriage spilled over into Phil’s work, causing tension and instability.
Despite their problems, Phil and Brynn had two children together, Sean and Birgen.
Greg attests to Brynn’s love for her children, stating that watching old home videos reminded him of what a caring mother she was.
However, the cracks in their relationship were apparent to those close to them.
Brynn’s mental health struggles were compounded by her fear of aging.
She suffered from anxiety but appeared to be making progress with counseling.
According to Greg, both Phil and Brynn cared deeply for each other and were committed to improving their relationship.
In a surprising revelation, Andy Dick, one of Hartman’s closest friends, admits to giving Brynn cocaine at a Christmas party in 1997.
Although unaware of her addiction, he acknowledges contributing to her struggles.
This revelation caused friction among cast members when the severity of Brynn’s problems became evident.
On the night of May 28, 1998, Brynn went out for drinks with a friend before visiting a former lover.
She complained about her husband and consumed alcohol.
Hours later, she returned to the lover’s house, claiming to have killed Phil.
Ron Douglas, the former lover, initially dismissed her statement until he saw a gun fall out of her purse.
Douglas drove Brynn back to their home, where they found Phil’s lifeless body.
He had been shot three times, including once in the forehead.
After calling 911, Douglas discovered that Brynn had locked herself in a room.
She subsequently took her own life on the bed, using the same gun.
The couple’s children, Sean and Birgen, were present in the house during the tragic events.
They were later removed from the home and went to live with Brynn’s sister.
Greg Omdahl filed a lawsuit against Pfizer, alleging that Zoloft played a role in his sister’s actions.
The lawsuit was settled for $100,000, although Zoloft remains on the market as a prescription antidepressant.
“The Last Days of Phil Hartman” also includes an interview Phil gave before his death, where he reflects on the fragility of life.
He expresses gratitude for the blessings he had received but acknowledges the vulnerability that comes with fortune’s unpredictability.
The ABC special offers a glimpse into the heartbreaking story of Phil Hartman’s murder and the complex circumstances surrounding his wife’s actions.
It serves as a reminder of the tragic consequences that can result from addiction and mental health struggles.
“The Last Days of Phil Hartman” will air on ABC on Thursday, September 19 at 9pm ET.
