Go for it
An invaluable letter of advice from Phil Hartman
The following letter, written on this day in 1997 by Phil Hartman, was very kindly shared with me thirteen years ago by its recipient, Michael T. Scott. By pure coincidence I was reminded of it on Friday whilst reading about Hartman’s work on The Simpsons.
Back in 1997, aged 19, then-aspiring comedian Michael Scott sent a letter to one of his biggest influences, Phil Hartman, along with a selection of his amateur comedy sketches on an audio tape. The letter spoke at length of his hopes and dreams, and politely sought any advice Hartman was able to give. Four months later the following handwritten reply arrived at Michael’s door, complete with invaluable, honest, constructive criticism — advice that he immediately took on board. Says Michael:
This meant the world to me. A man that was THAT busy at the time (doing Newsradio, The Simpsons, commercials, films, and God-knows-what-else) took the time out to not only respond to my letter, but listen to the tape I sent him. It wasn’t lost on me, even at that age.
Over the next year, Michael proceeded to compile a tape of fresh material and write a follow-up letter; a progress report of sorts. It was still being written when, in May of 1998, the tragic news of Phil’s murder stunned the nation.
I never got to send that package. I never got to thank him. Who would have known he was going to be taken from us so early? With every piece I create I hope I make Phil proud. He was the most brilliant performer and was not just overwhelmingly beloved by his fans, but by his peers that never had a bad word to say about him. He was everywhere and still so many people don’t realise just how much he was involved in. Because he was a man of so many talents, I am always finding new material with him in it, so it’s not like he’s really gone.
3/31/97
Michael –
Hi. Thanks for your letter. I listened to your tape, enough of it to hear that you have true natural talent. Your voice is pleasant to the ear. That, I think is your basic talent. Your humor is like a lot of comedy I hear today… angry, somewhat mean spirited, okay I guess if that’s what makes your friends laugh. Sure. Go there. Maybe I’m old.
I honestly recognize that a lot of humor (my humor, too) is hostile. But when it’s too on the nail…”I can’t stand Alannis, Nickelodeon, etc.”…to me, it lacks craft and subtlety. Look at Letterman. His humor is hostile. But it holds back, to network standards, and yet still works beautifully. He doesn’t go all the way. You seem to be going more toward a Howard Stern sensibility, and I prefer Letterman. So there you go. “And that’s OKAY,” as Stuart Smalley says. I just have a sense that you could be more than a shock jock. It’s just a hunch.
As artists we all face the same challenge — What is funny about me? Or, more pertinently, Who am I? If you dislike Alannis, and say so bluntly, that’s not funny. If you make a TOP TEN LIST OF OTHER THINGS ALANNIS FINDS “IRONIC,” that can be funny, and still allow you to express your antipathy. Amateur comedy is too “On the nail.” You need to develop craft. In school, in a radio gig, a theatre group, improv troupe, or standup showcase. Don’t be discouraged. You have talent.
Personally, I like your own voice more than your impressions and character work. Just work, wherever you can. You’ll grow and refine and be great. Be patient. (I didn’t start acting till I was 27). You’ve got a head start.
Go for it,
Phil Hartman
That letter not only shows great generosity, but perfectly defines what makes so much American comedy, particularly of the SNL variety, so sour--'mean-spirited--and ultimately forgettable.
What an open spirit he has. Great guy indeed.