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.