5 Things You Never Knew About Michelle Phillips, Mamas and the Papas Singer
Michelle Phillips is a true icon of the ’60s and beyond, best known for being a member of the Mamas & the Papas, co-writing some of their biggest hits and earning praise for what Time Magazine once called the “purest soprano in pop music.” After the band split, she made a seamless transition into acting, earning a Golden Globe nomination and later starring on the long-running soap Knots Landing. Born in Long Beach on June 4, 1944, and partly raised in Mexico City after losing her mother at a young age, Michelle’s life is full of highs and lows. Though she faced a brief, rocky exit from the Mamas & the Papas over a complicated love triangle, fans quickly welcomed her back, even if the band’s end was near.
Phillips has three children, including singer Chynna Phillips, who carried on the musical family tradition with Wilson Phillips. Michelle was also the second wife of Dennis Hopper, though they were only legally married for about a week. Let’s learn more about Michelle, the last surviving member of the group in honor of her birthday as she turns 81 years old:
> Meet Michelle Phillips and more at the Hollywood show!
1 A lucky streak at a craps table saved the band from being stranded in the Bahamas
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While the Mamas & the Papas were stuck in the Bahamas and couldn’t afford a flight back to the United States, Michelle stepped up. She won 17 straight craps shoots at the casino table, raking in enough money to buy first-class plane tickets for everyone. It sounds almost like a scene from a movie, but it shows her quick thinking and a bit of luck that helped the band out of a tight spot.
2 Complicated relationships
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Michelle co-founded the Mamas & the Papas with her then-husband John Phillips, Cass Elliot, and Denny Doherty. Together they created timeless folk-rock classics like “California Dreamin’ ” and “Creeque Alley.” But the group’s dynamic was complicated. Michelle was temporarily kicked out after it was discovered she had an affair with Doherty, who was also Elliot’s crush. Fans missed her voice so much she was brought back, but tensions remained and the band soon broke up.
3 She is the last original member of the Mamas & the Papas
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After the deaths of Phillips, Elliott and Doherty, Michelle became the last surviving original member of the band. She has honored their memory by continuing to share stories and occasionally performing their songs. Michelle even sang at Doherty’s funeral, showing the deep bonds that lasted despite the group’s rocky history.
4 Found success as an actress after her music career took a new turn
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When the Mamas & the Papas disbanded, Michelle stepped into acting with confidence. She appeared in movies like Dillinger, earning a Golden Globe nomination, and had roles in TV shows such as Knots Landing. Working alongside actors like Martin Sheen and Tom Skerritt, Michelle proved her talents extended well beyond singing.
5 She was arrested for marijuana possession
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In 1987, she was arrested for marijuana possession in Texas, after being pulled over for speeding while with her then-boyfriend Geoffrey Tozer. She was later released on bond but the charge stayed with her for years.
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Pop Music Legends
August 2017
Dedicated to the sights, sounds and stories of the golden age of pop.
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