Phillip Rhys

**Phillip Rhys** (born June 14, 1972) is a British actor and filmmaker.

In regards to Disney, he is best known for playing Proto Zoa in the Zenon Franchise.

## Early Life

He was born in South London, the second of three sons. He travelled extensively at an early age due to his parents’ jobs, which allowed the family to visit countries all over the world. In a way, that early love of travel could be viewed as the perfect preparation for life as a filmmaker and actor. After graduating from Westminster College he spent a year living and working in Paris. Upon his return to London he studied method acting with Marianna Hill at the Lee Strasberg Institute, and then in Los Angeles with Jeffrey Tambor and Milton Katselas at the Beverly Hills Playhouse. He is of British and Egyptian heritage.

## Career

### Film and Television

Phillip's film work includes The Adventures of Tintin directed by Steven Spielberg, Wilde Salome directing and starring Al Pacino, The Space Between with Oscar winner Melissa Leo, Irvine Welsh's The Magnificent Eleven and Figaro, directed by Bret Easton Ellis, a comedic film inspired by the music of The Barber of Sevilla, for the Opera de Paris. Rhys' pivotal television roles include the Emmy winning series, 24 (season 2) for which he was part of a SAG ensemble nomination, FX's Golden Globe winning Nip/Tuck and the BBC's post-apocalyptic hit drama Survivors. Other television credits include a series regular on Flatland with Hopper, the first US TV show to be shot entirely in China. Rhys is also known for his work in independent films, such as The Space Between with Oscar winner Melissa Leo, Punks, Kill the Man, Americanizing Shelley, and Rodrigo Garcia's Fathers and Sons. Rhys also starred as intergalactic rock star Proto Zoa in the Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century series of Disney films and as Tanus, in the miniseries The Seventh Scroll, based on the best-selling novel by Wilbur Smith. He has also appeared in single episodes of Shameless, Bones, Glee, CSI and NCIS, amongst others. On Christmas Day 2015, Rhys portrayed Ramone in the Doctor Who Christmas special The Husbands of River Song.

Rhys recurred in several highly anticipated television series, Nightflyers based on the novella by George R. R. Martin, and in Channel 4's Tripped produced by Harry and Jack Williams (Fleabag). Rhys most recently starred as Damien Hewett in Kevin Williamson's Tell Me a Story (season 2) for CBS All Access and The CW.

### Directing

Rhys has directed several commercials and documentary short films over the years, including Xie, Xie, Shanghai and The Rocky. Phillip produced and directed his narrative short debut, The Scarecrow, starring Sandra Oh. The Scarecrow was nominated for numerous awards, including Best Narrative Short Film at the Tribeca Film Festival, Drama Short Film Festival Grand Prix Best Short Film (International) and won the Accolade Global Film Competition Award of Excellence: Film Short. Rhys was selected to participate as a Fellow in the prestigious Disney ABC Television Directing Program.

### Stage

On stage, he received outstanding reviews for his performance in Dario Fo's The Devil with Boobs and a Drama-Logue Award for his role in the Los Angeles stage production of Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean. Other performances include "John Buchanan Jr." in Tennessee Williams Summer and Smoke and a turn in John Patrick Shanley's The Dreamer Examines His Pillow at Theatre West.

## Personal Life

On 22 November 2008, Rhys appeared on Soccer AM and confirmed he supports Crystal Palace Football Club. He speaks French and has travelled extensively. Phillip is a former member of the alternative rock band Egos Aside. Rhys now lives in London and Los Angeles.

### Philanthropy

He is involved in various non-profit organizations including BAFTA Outreach and is an Inner City Shakespeare Advisory Board Member. Rhys is a Sundance Institute Alumni.