Michelle Phillips is still California dreamin’.
The Mamas & the Papas singer made a rare public appearance in Los Angeles June 11 as she stopped at a local gas station to refuel her Mercedes.
For the outing, the 81-year-old—who is the last surviving original member of the folk rock group—paired a black top and black pants with matching flat shoes and dark sunglasses. She completed the ensemble with a red and blue floral kimono while styling her blond hair in a bun held by a black scrunchie.
During the quartet’s original run in the 1960s, Michelle performed alongside Denny Doherty, Cass Elliot and John Philips, to whom was married from 1962 to 1969. The band released hits including “California Dreamin’,” “Go Where You Wanna Go” and “Monday, Monday,” which won a Grammy in 1967.
Six years after the band released their fifth and final studio album in 1971, Michelle released her first and only solo effort, Victim of Romance. However, she found a path to success when she turned her attention to launching a career as an actress.
“Transitioning into acting was so much fun,” she told Smashing Interviews magazine in August 2021. “I wasn’t going to be a soloist, that’s for sure. And I wasn’t going to try and put together a new group. So it was acting.”
Michelle’s performance in the 1973 action movie Dillinger earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Most Promising Newcomer, and she went on to appear in dozens of films and TV series including The Love Boat, Knots Landing, Beverly Hills, 90210 and 7th Heaven.
As for what she’s proudest of in her decades-long career?
“Oh, a lot of stuff because I’m so talented,” Michelle joked to Closer Weekly in September 2021. “But it really goes back to different parts of my career. I loved working with Ryan Murphy on Popular. I absolutely loved doing Knots Landing. And even though there were a lot of difficult moments during the Mamas & the Papas, I was very proud of what we did.”
Keep reading to see more singers who also established successful acting careers.
Eminem
Though the rapper’s filmography isn’t very long, it does include starring in the award-winning drama, 8 Mile.
Rihanna
The singer has put in “Work” in the recording studio and on camera! The Barbadian beauty had a major role in Battleship and is part of the cast of Ocean’s Eight.
Janelle Monae
The “Tightrope” singer made a name for herself, being featured in two Oscar nominated films in 2017: Moonlight and Hidden Figures.
Will Smith
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air got his start in the music industry, rapping with his childhood friend and producer DJ Jazzy Jeff.
Donnie Wahlberg
The News Kids on the Block singer hasn’t left his boyband roots behind, but has added actor to his resume, appearing in shows like Blue Bloods.
Jennifer Hudson
The vocal powerhouse got her start on American Idol, but became a household name when her acting career took off with Dream Girls.
Mark Wahlberg
Looks like it runs in the family! Formerly known as Marky Mark, the rapper turned actor is famous for his work on screen, ranging from action films to comedies like Ted.
Queen Latifah
Beginning as a rapper, the star has shown she can do pretty much anything, even starring in the Oscar-winning Chicago.
Justin Timberlake
Is there anything he can’t do? The singer/designer/activist/actor is a true renaissance man. Don’t believe us? Watch The Social Network and then we’ll talk.
Beyoncé
Before Queen Bey starred in Dream Girls, she was Foxy Cleopatra opposite Mike Meyers in Austin Powers in Gold Member.
Lady Gaga
Mother Monster fit right in on the set of American Horror Story: Hotel, which brings the horror series to Los Angeles, Calif., before taking on A Star Is Born.
Bow Wow
When the young rapper isn’t in the studio, he’s on the screen! The actor starred in Lottery Ticket in 2010, and has been a regular on CSI: Cyber since 2015.
John Legend
“Everybody Knows” the singer for his hit songs, but he’s also quite the actor, even appearing alongside Ryan Gosling in La La Land.
Awkwafina
The rapper made the switch to television providing commentary on Girl Code – now she’s a part of the films Crazy Rich Asians and Ocean’s Eight.
Rob Mcewan/Columbia/Revolution/Kobal
Rob Mcewan/Columbia/Revolution/Kobal
Ice Cube
“Straight Outta Compton” and onto the silver screen! The MC has had hit after hit – from “It Was a Good Day” to Are We There Yet?
Cher
“I Got You Babe”…and also an Academy Award and a few Golden Globes. The superstar is known not only for her music, but for her acting in films like Moonstruck and Burlesque.
Common
The hip-hop artist and Kanye West‘s collaborator does more than just music – he’s also an actor, appearing in films like Selma and John Wick: Chapter 2.
Ludacris
The rapper has always been a “Money Maker”; besides being a hip-hop legend, Luda stars in the Fast and Furious franchise.
Madonna
The “Like A Virgin” singer is no virgin to the big screen, appearing in films like Evita and A League Of Their Own.
LL Cool J
In addition to being one of the first mainstream hip-hop acts, the legendary rapper has starred in a number of films, and is a part of NCIS: LA.
