Phil Collins, also known as Philip David Charles Collins, is a renowned English musician, drummer, singer, and actor. He began his career in the mid-60s as an actor but soon discovered his true passion for music in the 70s. As a member of the iconic rock band ‘Genesis,’ Phil experienced a significant breakthrough. In the 80s, he dominated the music charts with his solo projects, solidifying his status as a versatile artist in both group and solo endeavors. His impact on the cultural scene during this era was immense, and he holds the record for the most US top 40 singles among his contemporaries. With an impressive record of selling approximately 34 million records across eight albums, Phil Collins is undeniably one of the best-selling artists of his generation. Throughout his illustrious career, he has received numerous accolades, including six ‘Brit Awards,’ seven ‘Grammy Awards,’ two ‘Golden Globe Awards,’ and one ‘Academy Award,’ recognizing his exceptional contributions to the music and acting industries.
Quick Facts
- British Celebrities Born In January
- Also Known As: Phillip David Charles Collins
- Age: 72 Years, 72 Year Old Males
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Andrea Bertorelli, Jill Tavelman, Orianne Cevey
- Father: Greville Collins
- Mother: June Collins
- Children: Joely Collins, Lily Collins
- Partner: Orianne Cevey (2016)
- Born Country: England
- Left Handed
- School Dropouts
- Height: 5’6″ (168 cm), 5’6″ Males
- City: London, England
- More Facts:
- Education: Chiswick School, Barbara Speake Stage School
Childhood & Early Life
Phil Collins was born Philip David Charles Collins on January 30, 1951, in Chiswick, London, England. His father, Greville Philip Austin Collins, was an insurance agent, while his mother, Winifred June Strange, was a theatrical agent. As a child, Phil was fascinated by his mother’s job and would accompany her to theaters to watch actors perform on stage. This sparked his interest in the performing arts.
At the age of five, Phil received a drum kit as a birthday gift from his parents. He spent hours practicing and developed a passion for playing the drums. He later received professional training in acting and singing at the age of 14 at the Barbara Speake Stage School. Phil’s love for acting led him to play lead roles in various theatrical productions, films, and TV series.
Career
Phil’s acting career began at a young age, but his interest in music grew during his high school days. In the mid-70s, he joined the rock band Genesis as their drummer after an audition. He toured with the band for five years and played drums and percussions in their albums. He also filled in as the lead singer for the band when their original lead singer left. The success of their album “A Trick of the Tail” made the band reconsider hiring a vocalist, as Phil had already proven himself.
In the 80s, Phil started working on his debut solo album, “Face Value,” which was released in 1981. The album showcased a different style of music and became an international success. He continued to release successful solo albums, including “Hello I Must Be Going!” in 1982 and “No Jacket Required” in 1985.
Despite his success as a solo artist, Phil faced criticism and setbacks in the late 90s with the release of his albums “Dance into the Light” and “Testify.” However, his past musical achievements kept his credibility alive, and he received several honors in the 2000s. He reunited with former Genesis members for a successful tour in 2006 and was honored with a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.
Personal Life
Phil Collins has been married three times in his lifetime. His first marriage was to Andrea Bertorelli in 1975, but they divorced in 1980. This divorce had a significant impact on Phil’s mental health, leading to a period of depression. He then married Jill Tavelman in 1984, and they were together for 12 years. His third wife was Orianne Cevey, whom he married in 1999 and divorced in 2008. The divorce settlement of 25 million pounds was the largest in British history.
After going through a period of depression, Phil reconciled with Orianne Cevey in 2016, and they have been living together since.
Conclusion
Phil Collins is a renowned musician and actor who began his career in the performing arts at a young age. He found success as the drummer and lead singer of the band Genesis before embarking on a successful solo career. Despite facing setbacks, Phil’s talent and musical achievements have earned him a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a dedicated fan base.