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Biography:
Singer and actress Michelle Phillips made her claim to fame as one of the singers in the popular '60s folk-pop group the Mamas and the Papas. With such hits as "California Dreamin'" and "Monday, Monday," Phillips gained international fame as a singer. After the group disbanded for good in 1971, instead of pursuing a solo music career like the others, Michelle Phillips pursued an acting career.

Michelle Phillips was born Holly Michelle Gilliam in Long Beach, California, June 4, 1944. She met her soon-to-be husband, John Phillips, in 1961, and with Denny Doherty formed the group New Journeymen. After four years, the group decided to go to the Virgin Islands and were joined by Cass Elliott. The foursome soon became the Mamas and the Papas, scoring the number one hits "Dedicated to the One I Love" and "Monday, Monday." "California Dreamin'," another one of the group's hits, became its theme song after its release in January 1966. Due to internal problems, romantic involvements and substance abuse, the group disbanded in 1968 only to regroup in 1971 to produce the album People Like Us. The Mamas and the Papas called it quits for good in 1971 and went their separate ways. John and Michelle Phillips had one daughter together, Chynna Phillips, who would go on to a singing and acting career herself with the group Wilson Phillips.

Although the others went on to produce their own songs and albums, Michelle Phillips dismissed her music career altogether for an acting career. She married and divorced actor Dennis Hopper in 1970. In 1974 she received a Golden Globe nomination for her performance as Billie Frechette in Dillinger. Phillips' successful television career began in 1987 when she landed the role of Anne Matheson on the popular prime-time series Knots Landing. On a March 1987, episode she sang the popular Mamas and Papas tune "Dedicated to the One I Love." She has made appearances on such popular television shows as Beverly Hills 90210, Lois && Clark: The New Adventures of Superman and Murder She Wrote. Kim Summers, All Music Guide

Member Of: The Mamas & the Papas More >> Similar Artists: Chynna Phillips Wilson Phillips More >>

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