This Is How Birgen Anika Hartman Keeps Her Father’s Memory Alive
In May of 1998, the comedy world was shaken when SNL and Newsradio star Phil Hartman died in a tragic murder-suicide. The horrible circumstances that led to his death were made even worse by the fact that his two children became orphans because their mother shoot him before killing herself.
Sean and Birgen Hartman have been living a quiet life since losing both of their parents two decades ago. But they still keep their memories alive through various acts.
Birgen Hartman Is Now Happily Married
Upon the death of their parents, 9-year old Sean and 6-year old Birgen are sent to live with their maternal aunt and her husband, Katharine, and Mike Wright, in Wisconsin, who raised them under different last names so that they can remain relatively unknown from the press. Some of the family of Phil Hartman are against the move, but they later realized that Brynn Hartman’s family was not at the fault for what happened that night. Phil Hartman’s brother, John Hartman, discussed how there was some tension about who should raise his nieces Birgen and Sean in a CBS report commemorating the 15th anniversary of the incident. He said, “I started with my mother and said, ‘Ma, we have to do the right thing here. These people did not kill Phil. And they’re good people.’ I was trying to keep the two families as one.”
Sean, who is 31 today according to ABC News, “is pursuing his dreams of being an artist and musician.” He reportedly lives in Oakland. The 28-year-old Birgen is a graduate of the University of St. Thomas and studied Journalism and Communication at Minnesota University. In 2018, Birgen tied the knot with her husband Brandon in Italy. According to her uncle, Greg Omdahl, Birgen has started a new business.
At the SNL 40th Anniversary celebration in 2015, Birgen Hartman made an appearance to celebrate her father’s work. “It’s just heartwarming for me to see that after all these years he is still remembered and admired,” she said.
Through an Instagram post, Birgen commemorated the anniversary of her parent’s death in 2017.
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The Post said: “Normally I wouldn’t address this day on social media, but I just wanted to thank everyone for all of the thoughtful messages (and the beautiful flowers) I’ve received this weekend… from friends, family, fans… It truly means the world to me, and my parents would be so happy to know that such a supportive community still exists for us after all these years. I don’t know what else to say, I’m just so grateful… It’s been a tough day but I certainly don’t feel alone. So thank you.”
Birgen has struggled with substance abuse issues, just like her mother did. However, she got sober in February 2012 and says that life is great since then on Instagram. Her sporadic social media updates are accompanied by the occasional tribute to her late father. She’s also known for being quite proud of her Canadian roots and became a dual citizen a few years ago.
View this post on Instagram
Birgen And Sean Aren Not Trust Fund Kids
Phil Hartman’s will provided for each of his children, however, he was careful to set up their trusts in a way that meant they wouldn’t have everything handed to them. As an adult, they might get the money “if and only if a bachelor’s degree was obtained from a four-year university accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges or some comparable nationally recognized organization.” The terms of the will were that it would not all come in one lump sum, but instead, they had to wait for three different stages. The first part must be received at age 25 (or upon completion of a four-year degree), then half the remaining balance is given when they turn 30, and the final installment is on their 35th birthday. The document also granted their guardians $50,000 from the estate.
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