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The Tragic Timeline: Who Were Phil Hartman's Three Wives And Where Are His Children Today?

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The legacy of Phil Hartman, one of the most beloved comedians and voice actors of his generation, remains a complex tapestry woven with his brilliant career on shows like *Saturday Night Live* and *NewsRadio*, and the profound tragedy of his untimely death. As of late 2025, over two decades since the shocking events of 1998, public curiosity about his personal life—specifically his three marriages and the fate of his two young children—is still incredibly high. This in-depth look explores the full biographical profile of his wives and provides the most current information available on his adult children, Sean and Birgen Hartman. The Canadian-American star's life was marked by three significant relationships, each a distinct chapter in his journey from a graphic designer to a Hollywood icon. While his first two marriages were brief and relatively private, his third marriage to Brynn Omdahl is inextricably linked to the dark conclusion of his life, a devastating murder-suicide that stunned the entertainment world.

A Complete Biographical Profile of Phil Hartman's Wives

Phil Hartman (born Phillip Edward Hartmann, September 24, 1948 – May 28, 1998) was married three times. His romantic relationships often mirrored the trajectory of his career—starting quietly and quickly, then culminating in a dramatic, high-profile union.

Gretchen Lewis (Wife 1: Married 1970, Divorced 1972)

  • Full Name: Gretchen Lewis
  • Marriage Date: 1970
  • Divorce Date: 1972
  • Duration: Approximately 2 years
  • Context: Phil Hartman was only 22 when he married Lewis, who was 19 at the time. The marriage was his first and a quick union that ended shortly after it began. While some reports suggest a quick pregnancy, the marriage itself was brief, concluding before Hartman’s career in comedy had truly begun to take off.

Lisa Strain (Wife 2: Married 1982, Divorced 1985)

  • Full Name: Lisa Strain (sometimes referred to as Lisa Jarvis)
  • Marriage Date: December 1982
  • Divorce Date: 1985
  • Duration: Approximately 3 years
  • Context: Strain's marriage to Hartman occurred during his early years with The Groundlings comedy troupe. After their divorce, Strain remained a close friend of Hartman. She later commented on his personality, noting that he was "really two people" and had a tendency to "recluse," a trait that complicated his relationships.

Brynn Omdahl Hartman (Wife 3: Married 1987, Death 1998)

  • Full Name: Vicki Jo Omdahl, professionally known as Brynn Hartman
  • Date of Birth: April 11, 1958
  • Date of Death: May 28, 1998 (Age 40)
  • Marriage Date: November 25, 1987
  • Duration: Approximately 10 years
  • Children: Sean Edward Hartman (born 1987) and Birgen Anika Hartman (born 1992)
  • Career: Brynn was an American model and aspiring actress who had small roles, including a waitress in the 1994 film *North* and a few television appearances. Her career ambitions often clashed with Phil's burgeoning stardom on *Saturday Night Live* and *NewsRadio*, contributing to tensions in their marriage.

The Turbulent Marriage and Final Hours of Brynn Hartman

The relationship between Phil and Brynn Hartman was notoriously tumultuous, marked by Phil's long work hours and Brynn's struggles with substance abuse and temper. Despite their deep love for one another, the marriage was strained by Brynn’s unfulfilled acting career and her growing resentment of Phil's immense success and time away from home. Their home in Encino, California, became the setting for the final, tragic chapter.

The Night of the Tragedy

On the evening of May 27, 1998, Brynn had been out drinking and had reportedly used cocaine. She had also been taking the antidepressant Zoloft, a combination of substances that can lead to unpredictable and dangerous psychological effects. She returned home in the early morning hours of May 28. While Phil was asleep in their bed, Brynn entered the master bedroom and shot him three times—twice in the head and once in the side. The beloved comedian died instantly. Their two young children, Sean (9) and Birgen (6), were asleep in the house. After the shooting, Brynn drove to the home of a male friend. She confessed to the murder, but the friend did not initially believe her. She returned to the Encino residence, and the friend, who had followed her, called the police after seeing Phil's body.

The Murder-Suicide and Toxic Mix

Upon the arrival of the Los Angeles Police Department and SWAT team, Brynn Hartman locked herself back in the bedroom. As officers were evacuating the children, Brynn shot herself in the head, dying by suicide. The subsequent autopsy reports confirmed the presence of alcohol, cocaine, and Zoloft in Brynn's system. The mixture of these substances—especially the combination of alcohol and cocaine with a powerful antidepressant—is believed to have been a major contributing factor to her extreme actions, exacerbating her existing mental health and substance abuse issues. The tragedy also brought to light a significant controversy involving comedian Andy Dick, a former castmate of Phil's on *NewsRadio*. Phil's friend and fellow comedian, Jon Lovitz, publicly stated that Andy Dick had re-introduced Brynn to cocaine, which she had reportedly been sober from for a decade, just months before the murder-suicide. Lovitz and Dick later had public altercations over the issue, cementing the controversy as a dark footnote to the tragedy.

Where Are Phil Hartman's Children Today?

The most pressing question for fans of Phil Hartman is the fate of his two young children, Sean and Birgen. After the horrific events, the children were placed in the care of Brynn's sister, Katharine Omdahl, and her husband, Mike. This marked a new, private chapter for the siblings, away from the Hollywood spotlight.

Sean Edward Hartman (Born 1987)

  • Age: In his late 30s (as of 2025)
  • Current Life: Sean Hartman has largely maintained a private life, though he has pursued creative endeavors. Reports indicate he is an actor, writer, and voice artist, following in his father's creative footsteps.
  • Inheritance: Sean and his sister inherited their parents' estate, valued at an estimated $1.23 million at the time, through a trust fund. They gained full access to the funds when they reached the age of 25.

Birgen Anika Hartman (Born 1992)

  • Age: In her early 30s (as of 2025)
  • Current Life: Birgen Hartman has also chosen a life out of the public eye. She is reported to have built a positive and stable life for herself, focusing on privacy and her personal well-being.
  • Inheritance: Like her brother, Birgen received her portion of the trust fund at age 25, allowing her to live a life of comfort and stability, shielded from the financial pressures that could accompany such a public tragedy.
The fact that Sean and Birgen have built successful, positive lives for themselves is a testament to the family who raised them after the loss of both parents. Their story, while rooted in profound tragedy, offers a quiet, hopeful conclusion to the narrative of Phil Hartman's complex life. The beloved comedian's legacy continues through his timeless work and the lives of the two children he left behind.
The Tragic Timeline: Who Were Phil Hartman's Three Wives and Where Are His Children Today?
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