The Heartbreaking and Tragic Death of ‘Jingle All The Way’ Star Phil Hartman

This festive season, many families will gather around the TV to watch beloved Christmas classics. At the top of my list is Jingle All The Way.

A Beloved Christmas Classic

The 1996 movie features workaholic father and neglectful husband Howard Langston (played by Arnold Schwarzenegger) racing against time to secure the season’s hottest toy for his young son, all while trying to avoid revealing his lies to his wife.

Phil Hartman’s Memorable Role

In the film, Hartman played the over-friendly and annoying neighbor, Ted, who sees an opportunity to steal Howard’s wife, Liz (played by Rita Wilson). Like many of his on-screen roles, Hartman effortlessly steals every scene he appears in, making him a memorable part of this Christmas classic.

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Phil Hartman were perfect opposites in Jingle All The Way. Credit: Getty

A Versatile Talent

Phil Hartman was known for his impeccable comedic timing and range. He appeared in some of TV and film’s most beloved productions, including Saturday Night Live, The Simpsons, and NewsRadio. His work touched millions, but behind the laughs, Hartman’s personal life was often troubled, leading to an untimely and tragic end.

A Dual Personality

Hartman’s life and personality were often described as being at odds. As his second wife, Lisa Jarvis, described in an interview, Phil had “two sides.” On one hand, he was the creative, introspective artist who enjoyed drawing and writing. On the other hand, he was the entertainer with a public persona that was larger than life. His introversion often caused emotional withdrawal in his personal relationships, which led to a tumultuous love life.

Credit: Ron Galella / Getty

A Troubled Marriage

Hartman’s third marriage, to Brynn Omdahl, seemed to begin happily, with two children, Sean and Birgen. However, as with his previous relationships, Hartman’s tendency to withdraw emotionally took a toll. The stark contrast in career success and Hartman’s increasingly reclusive nature exacerbated the strain between them.

Phil Hartman and Brynn Omdahl in 1998. Credit: Jeff Kravitz / Getty

The Tragic Night

On the evening of May 27, 1998, Brynn Omdahl, who had struggled with addiction and mental health issues, and had been in and out of rehab, had dinner with a friend. Though she seemed calm, a violent argument between the couple occurred once she returned home. Omdahl had a history of violent outbursts, especially when mixing alcohol and antidepressants.

In the early hours of May 28, Omdahl entered their bedroom while Hartman slept and shot him multiple times in the head and chest with a .38 Smith & Wesson handgun. The beloved actor died instantly.

Phil Hartman was killed in his sleep. Credit: Valerie Macon / Stringer / Getty

The Aftermath

In the chaotic aftermath, Omdahl continued to drink and made a phone call to her friend, Ron Douglas, where she confessed to the murder. Though her friend initially didn’t believe her, Omdahl later confessed again to a second friend, Judy, during a car ride. Douglas called 911 when he entered the bedroom and saw Hartman’s body.

When the police arrived, Omdahl locked herself in the bedroom, where she made a final phone call to her sister. As officers knocked on the door, Omdahl took her own life, leaving behind two children and an irreparable loss for the entertainment world.

Further Tragedy

The tragic events of that night left the Hartman family—and the world—grieving the loss of a comedic genius and loving father. The police removed Hartman’s two children, Sean and Birgen, from the home as Omdahl’s life came to a tragic end.

Remembering Phil Hartman

Despite the tragic end to his life, Hartman’s legacy endures in the countless characters and roles he portrayed that brought laughter and joy to so many. Mike Scully, the executive producer of The Simpsons, shared his thoughts in an interview with The LA Times: “Phil was just tremendous fun to work with. The minute he said hello, you were laughing.”

One of Hartman’s final roles was that of Phil Fimple in Small Soldiers (1998), which paid tribute to the actor with a post-credit vignette that celebrated his comedic talent.

Featured image credit: Jeff Kravitz / Getty