It’s been a quarter of a century since legendary funnymanPhil Hartmantragically passed away, and his presence is still badly missed by fans across the world. Revered for his work in comedy, from his voiceover work onThe Simpsonsto his many memorable sketches fromSaturday Night Live, Hartman was just 49 years old when he died on August 01, 2025. The actor was murdered by his wife, Brynn Omdahl, who shot Hartman in his sleep before turning the gun on herself. The incident was just as shocking as it was saddening when the news was broken on that day 25 years ago, and the fans are still mourning the senseless loss. “I vividly remember the day Phil Hartman was murdered,” one fan recalls. “I was in school and a lot of kids were sad because we watched him onSNLand he was in some of our favorite comedies, and I remember one kid said, ‘It felt like my dad died.’ Such a shame. Such a talent."[EMBED_TWITTER]https://twitter.com/Hipstercrite/status/1663001480163467264[/EMBED_TWITTER]“RIP Phil Hartman,” says another fan on Twitter, including anSNLsketch featuring the actor. “25 years ago today he was taken away from us far too soon. Even in the most unhingedSNLsketch of all time Hartman was able to steal the show."[EMBED_TWITTER]https://twitter.com/KevMagnet/status/1662860761847275523[/EMBED_TWITTER]Posting a collage of Hartman in his various roles, another fan said, “Today marks 25 years to the day that the world sadly lost the greatestSNLcast member that ever lived, the hilarious Phil Hartman. Timeless comedy. Great in everything he ever did."[EMBED_TWITTER]https://twitter.com/BLPMikey/status/1662802013246062593[/EMBED_TWITTER]“I love people sharing their memories of Phil Hartman today,” writes another fan who shared a clip fromNewsRadiothat greatly inspired her. “The sheer number of different characters and clips being shared is a testament to his comic genius. I think about thisNewsRadio’when life gives you lemons' line often."[EMBED_TWITTER]https://twitter.com/rachel_is_here/status/1662959710780153859[/EMBED_TWITTER]If you didn’t watch the clip, Hartman hilariously says, “Have you ever heard the expression, ‘When life gives you lemons, make lemonade, and then toss it in the face of the person who gave you the lemons until they give you the oranges you asked for in the first place?'“Related:Kenan Thompson Recalls Landing Robin Williams for Surprise SNL Spot: ‘He Was Just an Angel’
Phil Hartman Was One of a Kind
Many fans ofThe Simpsonshave also been sharing some of their favorite clips of Hartman’s characters, attorney Lionel Hutz and washed-up actor Troy McClure. Both are widely considered to be among the funniest characters there have ever been onThe Simpsons, having some of the most memorable quotes from the golden years of the animated show. The characters were retired following Hartman’s passing as there was just no replacing the one-of-a-kind actor.
Hartman will clearly never be forgotten. you’re able to revisit some of his classic comedy by streaming old episodes ofSNLon Peacock, and you can view some more of the tribute posts for Hartman from Twitter below.
