Ethan Phillips
About
Biography
Filmography
Family & Companions
Bibliography
Biography
A stage-trained character player who endeared himself to TV audiences playing likable if somewhat geeky and enthusiastic supporting roles, Ethan Phillips was best known for his five-year stint (1980-85) on the popular ABC sitcom, "Benson" as press secretary Pete Downey. He remained visible as a frequent TV guest star on such series as "Murphy Brown," "NYPD Blue," "Law and Order" and "Star Trek: The Next Generation." Philips also appeared in small roles in a number of features, including his film debut in the acclaimed "Ragtime" (1981), "Glory" (1989), "Green Card" (1990), "The Man Without a Face" (1993) and "The Shadow" (1994).
Phillips had extensive stage experience with credits in regional theater, off-Broadway and Broadway. He was also a playwright whose original work, "Penguin Blues," was published in The Samuel French Collection of Best Short Plays and produced more than 150 times throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Phillips donned heavy makeup as a cast member of "Star Trek: Voyager" (UPN, 1995-2001). Playing Neelix, the ship's resident Talaxian scout, cook and comic relief, Phillips amused legions of "Trek" fans and ensured himself a steady gig throughout the show's run.
Filmography
Cast (Feature Film)
Cast (Special)
Cast (TV Mini-Series)
Life Events
1980
Debut as a TV series regular, played press secretary Pete Downey in the hit ABC spin-off sitcom, "Benson"
1981
Feature film debut was "Ragtime" directed by Milos Forman
1982
First appearance on a TV special, "Circus of the Stars"
1986
Had play, "Penguin Blues", produced at Philadelphia Festival Theater for New Plays (date approximate)
1986
Starred in the sci-fi feature, "Critters"
1987
Played a recurring role on the Fox-TV thriller series, "Werewolf"
1987
TV-movie debut, "Deadly Deception"
1989
Co-starred with Morgan Freeman in the biographical-drama "Lean on Me"
1990
Played an INS agent in the romantic comedy, "Green Card"
1995
Cast as Neelix, the ship's cook and all-around busybody, on UPN's "Star Trek: Voyager"
2001
Garnered praise for supporting turn as a jazz musician in the Pasadena Playhouse production of "Side Man"
2005
Appeared in the sci-fi thriller "The Island," directed by Michael Bay
Companions
