A 19-year-old beginning comic sent a fan letter as well as audio tapes of some of his comedy routines to his biggest inspiration, Phil Hartman. Here is Phil Hartman’s thoughtful and generous response. He took the time to really coach this kid, to tell him, essentially: “You’re taking the easy route. Challenge yourself. You can do better.” Here are your gifts, here is what I see to be your strengths, you should go in that direction …
The kind of criticism that, when it is heard, and when it is said in the right way, can change the course of an artist’s life.
That letter is the meaning of generosity and makes me miss Phil Hartman even more.
Oh he was wonderful wasn’t he? I’m gratified to know that he was as marvelous and generous on the inside as he was on the stage.
I borrowed a beautiful photo of Anne Morrow Lindbergh that you have posted on your blog…I hope that you are alright with that. It is lovely. I also enjoyed reading several of your posts…so thank you for that!
Oh, I still get choked up about him. What a great little anecdote, Sheila.
Isn’t it so cool?