Hartenberger spent the majority of his life as an actor and voice talent. He was known to his friends and family as "Bob". Bob graduated as a high school student in 1960 from California's San Pedro High School and joined the United States Army where he was stationed in Ethiopia as a Military Police officer. Following his discharge, he went on to obtain his AA in Theatre Arts from Los Angeles Harbor College in 1968 and his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Southern Utah State College in 1976. Bob enjoyed a long and varied career in acting; on stage, on screen, and as an incredibly gifted voice talent Bob was known for his great skill and professionalism.

Filmography