Joseph C. Phillips facts for kids

Joseph Connor Phillips (born January 17, 1962) is an American actor and writer. He is also a commentator who shares his views on different topics. Many people know him best for playing Martin Kendall on the TV show The Cosby Show. He also played Justus Ward on the soap opera General Hospital.

Acting Career

After finishing his acting studies at New York University, Joseph Phillips started performing in plays. He acted in shows at places like the Manhattan Bridge Company and the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. In 1986, he had a main role in a new play called Dreaming Emmett by the famous writer Toni Morrison.

Joseph Phillips also appeared in many radio and TV commercials. He got a guest role on the TV show Search for Tomorrow. Later, he appeared on The Cosby Show in its second season. A few years later, he came back to The Cosby Show for his most famous role. He played U.S. Navy Lieutenant Martin Kendall from 1989 to 1991.

From 1994 to 1998, he played the lawyer Justus Ward on the TV show General Hospital. Joseph Phillips was also a guest commentator on the radio show News & Notes. He shared his political thoughts on many NPR radio stations between 2004 and 2009.

Education and Community Work

Joseph Phillips is a member of a group called Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. He first studied communications at the University of the Pacific. Then, he moved to New York University to study acting. He earned his degree in acting in 1983.

Phillips is an ambassador for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America. This means he helps spread awareness about sickle cell disease. He often talks about how this illness affects families. He is also part of several acting groups, like the Screen Actors Guild. In 2022, Joseph Phillips became a professor at Clark Atlanta University. He teaches in the theatre and communications department there.

Sharing His Views

Joseph Phillips is a member of the Republican Party. He is a TV and radio commentator. He has also written a weekly newspaper column. In his writings and talks, he shares his conservative ideas. His book, He Talk Like a White Boy, shares his thoughts on many topics.

Personal Life

Joseph Phillips was born in Colorado. His mother passed away when he was young. After that, he became very close to his cousin Duane Evans' mother. Joseph Phillips is married to Nicole Phillips, and they have three sons. Their sons are named Connor, Ellis, and Samuel. In 2006, Phillips wrote a book about his own life called He Talk Like A White Boy. The book includes a special introduction by Tavis Smiley.

Selected Film and TV Roles

Awards and Nominations

See also

• Black conservatism in the United States