Michelle Phillips (born June 4, 1944) is an American singer and actress. The blonde beauty was born Holly Michelle Gilliam in Long Beach, California. She gained fame as a member of the popular 1960s singing group The Mamas & the Papas. She later gained fame for appearances on several television series, such as Knots Landing.

Michelle married fellow Mamas & Papas member John Phillips in 1962. She helped him co-write some of the band's most popular hits, including "Monday, Monday " and "California Dreamin'." They had one child together, Chynna Phillips, who went on to found the singing group Wilson Phillips (along with Beach Boys children Wendy and Carnie Wilson). The couple divorced in 1970 after her infidelity with co-band member Denny Doherty and others.

Phillip's infidelity, ultimately, led to the break-up of The Mamas & the Papas. After Michelle started dating a member of the rival band The Byrds, she was kicked out of the band. Fellow band member, Cass Elliott (the other "Mama"), was in love with Doherty, a fact Michelle was well aware of, so her affair with Doherty was a betrayal to half of the band. Her presence was missed by fans, however, so she was invited back into the band. The ill-will between the members was so embedded, however, that the band broke up soon after her return.

Phillips married actor Dennis Hopper in 1970 for eight days. Of that marriage, Phillips said: "I will say this about Dennis Hopper: We were married for eight days and truly... they were the happiest days of my life."

Phillips is renowned for her pulchritude and youthful appearance which she attributes, in part, to staying completely away from direct sunlight.

Phillips continues to act in movies and in television today.

External link

• Phillips article on Swingin' Chicks of the '60s (includes photos)