Conversation so far:
What was Phil Hartman's style considered?
was described as "a regular guy and, by all accounts, one of show business' most low-key, decent people".
How did this help his career?
often played seedy, vain or unpleasant characters as well as comedic villains.
He noted that his standard character was a "jerky guy", and described his usual roles.
Did he enjoy playing these parts?
Hartman enjoyed playing such roles because he "just want[ed] to be funny, and villains tend to be funny because their foibles are all there to see..
What parts was he famous for?
He often played supporting roles, rather than the lead part.
He said "throughout my career, I've never been a huge star, but I've made steady progress.
Was he okay with that?
that's the way I like it," and "It's fun coming in as the second or third lead.
Did he ever want to quit?
discovered an element of something else, so in a sick kind of way I made myself a career by doing a bad imitation of another comic..
Any other talents that were "accidentally" found?
He could momentarily fool audiences into thinking he was the straight man, but then he'd cock an eyebrow and give his voice an ironic lilt.
Was he straight?
but then he'd cock an eyebrow and give his voice an ironic lilt that delivered a punchline like a fast slider--you barely saw it coming until you started laughing..
Did that remain his style throughout his career?
" Hartman claimed that he borrowed his style from actor Bill Murray: "He's been a great influence on me - when he did that smarmy thing in Ghostbusters.
Any other idols for him?
Writer and acting coach Paul Ryan noted Hartman's work ethic with his impressions.
Did Ryan teach him anything of note?
He assembled a collection of video footage of the figure he was preparing to impersonate and watched this continually until he "completely embodied the person".

Question: What other techniques did he use?
Self-contained rewrite: What other techniques did Hartman use in addition to watching video of his idols?