Phil Hartman

Hartman was the ultimate utiltyman. He was a classic “glue guy” on the show. When he was the center of a sketch, he soared, but Hartman was also willing to be a tertiary straight character in a sketch. During his eight seasons on the show, Hartman was in a ton of sketches, but that was completely justifiable. He was always there, because he was willing to fit into whatever role was needed.

He made his Ed McMahon funnier than Carvey’s Johnny Carson, but never upstaged Carvey. Hartman’s Bill Clinton didn’t pop as much as Carvey’s Bush, but it was, somehow, a subtle impression. He made Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer work. Hartman was a sketch comedy genius. He was never the single best SNL cast member, and wasn’t always the funniest, but he was always the most important.

Rest in Peace.