Back in the early 1960s, Michelle Phillips burst onto the scene as a founding member of the legendary Mamas & the Papas. Fast forward to today, and she stands as the last surviving member of the iconic folk-rock quartet. Their harmonious melodies on timeless hits like “California Dreamin’” and “Monday, Monday” still resonate with fans worldwide. Michelle, now 77, carries the torch of this incredible legacy with grace and wisdom.
Reflecting on her journey, Michelle opens up to Closer with a candid and humble perspective. “I had a couple of things going for me,” she shares with a warm smile. “For starters, I was the youngest member of the group. Plus, I stepped away from the music scene as soon as I could. Acting became my new passion, and it was such a joy to explore that side of me.”
Michelle's acting career took off in ways she never imagined, landing her alongside some of Hollywood’s brightest stars, including Audrey Hepburn, Dennis Hopper, and Martin Sheen. But it was her role as the cunning Anne Matheson Sumner on the classic TV series Knots Landing that truly cemented her place in the hearts of audiences. “Playing Anne was a dream come true,” she recalls. “It was an opportunity to dive deep into a character and watch her evolve over time.”
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Even with her success on the big and small screens, Michelle remains deeply connected to her counterculture roots. Recently, she ventured into the world of NFTs by selling digital copies of a drawing she created of the Mamas & the Papas for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The proceeds, a whopping $25,000, were donated to the Painted Turtle, a camp dedicated to supporting children facing serious medical conditions. “Being able to help so many kids through these auctions fills my heart with joy,” Michelle beams.
Keep scrolling to dive deeper into Closer’s exclusive interview with Michelle!
Childhood Dreams: Did You Always Want to Be in Entertainment?
Believe it or not, Michelle never dreamed of becoming a star when she was growing up. “I wasn’t the least bit interested in show business back then,” she reveals with a laugh. “All I wanted was a beautiful black cocktail dress, a sneaky cocktail, and some amazing musicians to hang out with. That was my ultimate goal, and I think I nailed it!”
Plan B: What Would You Have Done If Showbiz Didn’t Happen?
Michele admits she never had a backup plan. “I don’t have that kind of personality where I’m constantly planning or setting goals. Whatever life throws at me, I embrace it. Back then, all I wanted was enough money to travel and buy that perfect little black dress. Life just unfolded in ways I never expected.”
Fondest Memories: The Magic of the Mamas & the Papas
Michelle’s fondest memories of the Mamas & the Papas are filled with awe and gratitude. “Our first performance was at the legendary Hollywood Bowl,” she reminisces. “From there, we toured the country in a jet, performed at the Monterey Pop Festival, played Carnegie Hall, and wrapped up with another unforgettable show at the Hollywood Bowl. I was so fortunate to collaborate with such incredible musicians. Sure, I contributed my part, but they had already carved their place in the music world. I worked hard to keep up, and it was an amazing ride.”
Family Support: Did They Believe in You?
Michelle’s family was her biggest cheerleaders. “My father and the rest of my family were so proud of everything I achieved,” she says with a smile. “There’s nothing like hearing your parents say, ‘Wow, I had no idea you could sing like that.’ It’s a feeling that stays with you forever.”
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Life Lessons: What Did Your Family Teach You?
After losing her mother at a young age, Michelle’s father became her guiding light. “He taught me the importance of being generous and kind,” she reflects. “He instilled in me the values of being a good person, giving back, and helping those in need. There’s so much suffering in the world, and we all have a responsibility to lend a helping hand whenever we can.”
A Personal Motto: Live by These Words
If Michelle had to boil down her philosophy of life into a motto, it would be this: “Be kind, be available, and strive to live an honest life. It might sound simple, but if you genuinely try to help others and put your heart into it, you’ll find purpose and fulfillment. Back in the day, I used to make sandwiches for homeless people, but alas, I’m not as spry as I used to be!”
Acting: The Joy of Collaboration
Michelle cherishes the collaborative spirit of acting. “Take my time on Knots Landing,” she recalls. “If we wanted to tweak the dialogue, all we had to do was call the office. There was no drama, just laughter. Nicollette Sheridan, who played my daughter on the show, would often say, ‘Can we make this dialogue even nastier?’ The office loved getting our creative input!”
Acting vs. Singing: Are They Alike?
“Absolutely,” Michelle nods. “Whether you’re on stage or in front of the camera, it’s all about connecting with your fellow actors. When you look into their eyes, you see your character reflected back at you. You form a deep bond, and you have to care for them deeply to make the magic happen.”
Villains and Villainesses: Did Anne Matheson Bring Challenges?
Michelle chuckles at the memory. “People would ask me if I treated my real-life kids like Anne treated hers on Knots Landing. If I did, I’d probably be behind bars! But Anne was one of my favorite roles because I had years to develop her character and make her truly unforgettable.”
Family Legacy: Chynna Phillips Follows in Her Footsteps
Michele’s daughter, Chynna Phillips, followed in her footsteps as a singer with Wilson Phillips and as an actress.
