In 1975, Hartman joined the comedy group The Groundlings, where he helped Paul Reubens develop his character Pee-wee Herman. After graduating from California State University, Northridge with a degree in graphic arts, he designed album covers for bands including Poco and America. Hartman was born in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, and his family moved to the United States when he was ten years old. Philip Edward Hartman ( né Hartmann September 24, 1948 – May 28, 1998) was a Canadian-American actor, comedian, screenwriter, and graphic designer.