Biography

For 20 years, Phil Stellar has made his living warming up studio audiences for a multitude of Los Angeles-based television sitcoms. From shows as diverse as "Mad About You" to "Saved By the Bell," Phil holds the distinction of being the only "Warmup Guy" who has been "imported" on a weekly coast to coast basis for the 3 year run of ABC-TV's "Hope and Faith". After a one time shot on that show, the producers and Kelly Ripa knew they had to have Phil with them every week and flew him to New York from his home in Los Angeles for 77 consecutive episodes.

Phil's life changed drastically in 1999 when, on a package tour to Japan and Thailand, he and his tour group ventured out for a quick visit to a local Thai orphanage. While there, a particularly adorable 3 year old boy attached himself to Phil - following him everywhere. After the tour leader announced it was time to leave, this little boy began to cry uncontrollably and Phil knew he was hooked.

The next day, Phil returned with an interpreter and asked what it would take to adopt this little boy and bring him home to the United States. He was told that this was "absolutely impossible" as the boy's mother was in jail and had not relinquished her rights to him. The interpreter interjected that, if Phil was able to locate the birth mother, she would likely see this as an unbelievable opportunity for her son.

Seven months later, Phil was sitting in the visiting room of a Thai women's prison in the most unincorporated part of the country (speaking through the same interpreter) asking for permission to be a father to this poor woman's son. Phil promised her that he would make sure that her son was educated and that he would always know that it was she who had given him this amazing opportunity at a life in the United States. Through her tears, his mother agreed.

Unfortunately, it was not as easy as getting her permission. When the head of the orphanage heard that Phil had gone to such extreme lengths, she vowed that the adoption would never happen and that this boy would never be Phil's.

Through a series of the most amazing coincidences, the impossible happened and on June 23, 2001, Phil brought home his then 5 year old son Chet and they haven't looked back since.

As the world of audience sitcoms has lessened dramatically (thanks mainly to reality TV) Phil is embarking on a new career path of sharing this amazingly inspirational story with groups and institutions. Combining his humor and heartfelt love for his son, Phil's speech is a unique mix that will leave your group feeling like they too can accomplish the impossible.

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