Michelle Phillips: The Mamas and The Papas’ Accidental Star

From Music to Acting to Music Again

When Michelle made her drastic career change and entered the music industry, she found herself in a number of films, such as 1973’s Dillinger, for which she earned a Golden Globe nomination. She’s also been in countless TV shows, like Knots Landing. She even dipped her feet back into music when she released Victim of Romance, her only solo album, in 1977.

Michelle Phillips and Rudolf Nureyev in a car looking towards the sidewalk in Valentino 1977

Michelle Phillips and Rudolf Nureyev in Valentino 1977. Photo by Moviestore Collection / Shutterstock

For Michelle, it was a labor of love. She involved herself in every aspect of production, including the cover’s design. The album was both a critical and commercial failure, though, and marked her last effort in the music industry. After that, she turned exclusively to acting. And she’s been in countless films and TV shows.