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.
Profession(s):
Actor, playwright
Sometimes Credited As:
Ethan Philips
2005 Appeared in the sci-fi thriller "The Island," directed by Michael Bay
2001 Garnered praise for supporting turn as a jazz musician in the Pasadena Playhouse production of "Side Man"
1995 - 2001 Cast as Neelix, the ship's cook and all-around busybody, on UPN's "Star Trek: Voyager"
1990 Played an INS agent in the romantic comedy, "Green Card"
1989 Co-starred with Morgan Freeman in the biographical-drama "Lean on Me"
1987 Played a recurring role on the Fox-TV thriller series, "Werewolf"
1987 TV-movie debut, "Deadly Deception"
1986 Starred in the sci-fi feature, "Critters"
1986 Had play, "Penguin Blues", produced at Philadelphia Festival Theater for New Plays (date approximate)
1982 First appearance on a TV special, "Circus of the Stars"
1981 Feature film debut was "Ragtime" directed by Milos Forman
1980 - 1985 Debut as a TV series regular, played press secretary Pete Downey in the hit ABC spin-off sitcom, "Benson"
Raised on Long Island, New York
Worked extensively in regional theater
Acted at Robert Redford's Sundance Institute in Utah for six years
Developed play, "Penguin Blues", at the Sundance Institute
