 Philip Edward " Phil " Hartman ( September 24 , 1948 – May 28 , 1998 ; born Hartmann ) was a Canadian @-@ American actor , voice actor , comedian , screenwriter , and graphic artist . Born in Brantford , Ontario , Hartman and his family moved to the United States in 1958 . After graduating from California State University , Northridge , with a degree in graphic arts , he designed album covers for bands like Poco and America . Feeling the need for a more creative outlet , Hartman joined the comedy group The Groundlings in 1975 and there helped comedian Paul Reubens develop his character Pee @-@ wee Herman . Hartman co @-@ wrote the screenplay for the film Pee @-@ wee 's Big Adventure and made recurring appearances on Reubens ' show Pee @-@ wee 's Playhouse . 
