Joseph C. Phillips

Joseph Connor Phillips (born January 17, 1962) is an American actor, writer, and conservative Christian commentator. He is best known for his role as Martin Kendall on the NBC sitcom The Cosby Show, and as Justus Ward on the soap opera General Hospital.

Career After graduating from the Professional Theatre Training Program at New York University, Phillips appeared on stage in theatre productions at the Manhattan Bridge Company, Philadelphia Festival Theatre for New Plays, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, and a starring role in the world premiere of Toni Morrison's Dreaming Emmett at Capital Repertory Theatre in 1986.

Amid radio and television commercials, Phillips landed a guest role on the soap opera Search for Tomorrow and a second-season appearance on the NBC sitcom The Cosby Show. Four years later, he returned to The Cosby Show in his most notable role, that of U.S. Navy Lieutenant Martin Kendall, which he portrayed from 1989 to 1991.

He portrayed attorney Justus Ward on the ABC soap opera General Hospital from 1994 to 1998. Phillips was also a guest political commentator on News & Notes on most NPR radio stations between 2004 and 2009.

Education and associations Phillips is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. He attended the University of the Pacific as a communications major, but later transferred to the acting conservatory at New York University where he graduated with a BFA in acting in 1983.

Phillips is an ambassador for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America. He has spoken extensively about the disease and its effect on the family. He is also a member of the Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, Actors Equity Association, the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, was National Co-Chair of the African American Steering committee for Bush Cheney '04, was named a member of the Republican National Committee's African American Advisory Board, was appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to the state board of directors of the California African American Museum and was named a 2005 Claremont Institute Lincoln Fellow.

In 2022, Phillips joined the faculty of Clark Atlanta University as a professor in the theatre and communications department.

Conservative activism Phillips, a Republican, is a television and radio commentator and has written a weekly syndicated column that promotes conservative views. He has been a critic of affirmative action and same-sex marriage in the United States. His book, He Talk Like a White Boy, reflects his thoughts in this regard.

Personal life Joseph Phillips' mother died when he was young. After this, he became close to the mother of Duane Evans, his cousin. Phillips is from Colorado. He and his wife Nicole have three sons, Connor, Ellis, and Samuel. Phillips and Nicole divorced in January 2019. In 2006, Phillips published an autobiography, He Talk Like A White Boy, which includes a foreword by Tavis Smiley.

Filmography n.b. for credit listings reference

Film Year Film Role Other notes 1991 Strictly Business Waymon Tinsdale III1998 A Fare to Remember Supporting actor Let's Talk About Sex Michael 2005 Getting Played Robert Mitchellson2010 Church Melvin Boogie Town Chief Salsbury

Television Year Title Role Notes1985 Search for Tomorrow Cruiser McCulla The Cosby Show Darryl Marchamp Episode: "Cliff in Love" 1988 Hothouse Guest star Episode: "The Good Family" 1989–1992 The Cosby Show Lt. Martin Kendall Main role (Seasons 6–8)1989 A Raisin in the Sun George Murchison TV movie A Man Called Hawk Matt Johnson Episode: "Poison" A Different World Lt. Martin Kendall Episode: "Forever Hold Your Peace" 1993 Basic Values: Sex, Shock & Censorship in the '90s Supporting actor 1994–1998 General Hospital Justus Ward Main role 1995 Martin Derrick Episode: "The Ex-Files" 1996 Soul Train Host Episode: "Brian McKnight/ Goodie Mob/ Barrio Boyzz" Living Single Jeremy Mills IV Episode: "Not So Silent Partner" 1997 The Larry Sanders Show James Episode: "The Book" 1999 Any Day Now Mark Sanborn Episode: "Family Is Family" 2000 Midnight Blue Luke JordanTV movie Perfect Murder, Perfect Town Det. McKinley (Alternative title: Perfect Murder, Perfect Town: JonBenét and the City of Boulder) City of Angels Martin Episode: "To Have or Halve Not" Popular Harrison's Doctor Episode: "Ur-ine Trouble" 2001 The Parkers Rev. Reggie Wright Episode: "Mama, I Want to Sing" The King of Queens BillEpisode: "Separation Anxiety" Judging Amy Lowry's Attorney Episode: "Look Closer" V.I.P. Geiger Episode: 'Kayus Ex Machina" 2002 Family Law Abram Hatch Episode: "Children of a Lesser Dad" 2002–2003 The District Mayor Morgan Douglas Recurring role 2004 E!'s 101 Interviewee Episode: "Most Awesome Moments in Entertainment 60 - 41" 2004–2005 Las Vegas Langley Episodes: "Blood Is Thicker" & "Centennial" 2005 Jack & Bobby Coach Braxton Episode: "Friends with Benefits" 2005–2006 Without a Trace Marcus JohnsonRecurring role 2006 Vanished J.T. Morse 2007 Ghost Whisperer Richard Vahn Episode: "No Safe Place" 2008 The Young and the Restless Agent Jed Paulson 3 episodes Bones Col. Ryan Wolchuck Episode: "The Con Man in the Meth Lab" 2009 Castle Mayor Episodes: "Home Is Where the Heart Stops" & "Ghosts" 2010 The Secret Life of the American Teenager Donnie Episode: "Loved and Lost" The Mentalist Alan Knee Episode: "Blood In, Blood Out" The Event Security Guard Episodes: "I Haven't Told You Everything" & "To Keep Us Safe" 2016DispatchDetective Arnold2017-202013 Reasons WhyGreg DavisRecurring role2018The RookieLawyer Jephson GreenEpisode: "Homefront" 2020The ResidentTalk Show HostEpisode: "Last Shot" Criminal MindsDeputy Director James Barbour 3 episodes

Awards and nominations