Michelle Phillips: Tracing the Journey of the Mamas & the Papas Singer to Actress
With their catchy songs and gorgeous harmonies, the Mamas & the Papas were one of the most beloved bands of the ’60s. The four-person vocal group behind evocative hits like “California Dreamin’,” “Monday, Monday” and “Dedicated to the One I Love” was composed of married couple John and Michelle Phillips along with Cass Elliot (known as “Mama Cass”) and Denny Doherty. Sadly, only one member remains with us today — Michelle Phillips, who was known for her pure soprano voice and her crystalline blonde beauty.
In the ’60s, Phillips was a hippie girl icon. Today, at 80, she’s a true survivor who has lived many different lives. Here’s a look at how Michelle Phillips became a star and what she’s been up to since the Mamas & the Papas broke up in 1968.
Born Holly Michelle Gilliam in California in 1944, Michelle Phillips faced early tragedy, as her mother died when she was just 5 years old. Following this traumatic event, her family moved frequently, and they spent six years in Mexico. As a teenager, Michelle’s family moved back to California, where she became a model while falling into the burgeoning countercultural scene. She met John Phillips, who was then part of the folk group the Journeymen, in 1961. Scandalously, John was 25 and married with two children, while Michelle was still a teen, and after he divorced his wife, they married in 1962, when she was just 18.
From there, a musical partnership arose, and they formed the Mamas & the Papas in 1965. While the band enjoyed much success, internal tensions were forever present, and in 1966 she was kicked out of the group, only to be brought back a few months later, after it was revealed that she had an affair with her bandmate Denny Doherty. Despite the drama, the group continued to produce hits until their eventual breakup in 1968.
After the Mamas & the Papas disbanded, Michelle Phillips transitioned into acting. She made her film debut in 1971 in “The Last Movie,” directed by Dennis Hopper. Her acting career took off, and she appeared in several films and TV shows throughout the ’70s and ’80s, including “Dillinger” (1973), “Valentino” (1977), and the popular TV series “Knots Landing,” where she played Anne Matheson for several seasons.
Michelle’s personal life was as eventful as her professional one. She married actor Dennis Hopper in 1970, but the marriage lasted only eight days. She later married radio executive Robert Burch in 1978, but they divorced in 1982. Her third marriage was to Steven Zax, a plastic surgeon, in 1986, but they also eventually divorced.
Despite the ups and downs, Michelle Phillips has remained a resilient figure in the entertainment industry. She has continued to make occasional appearances in film and television, and she has also been involved in various charitable activities. Her legacy as a member of the Mamas & the Papas endures, and she remains a beloved figure in the world of music and beyond.
Michelle Phillips’ journey from a young girl facing early tragedy to a hippie icon and successful actress is a testament to her resilience and talent. She has navigated the highs and lows of fame with grace and continues to be an inspiration to many.
Source: Various sources
