Zane Phillips: From Community Theater to Center Stage in “Messy White Gays”

Zane Phillips was born on November 25, 1993, in Denver, Colorado, and spent his formative years fostering a love for the performing arts after his family's move to Fredericksburg, Texas. It was in this small town that Phillips discovered his passion for acting, diving into community theater and embracing the transformative power of performance at a young age . His early exposure to stagecraft in Texas provided the foundation for a career marked by versatility and a strong sense of self .

After high school, Phillips enrolled in the renowned musical theater program at Elon University, earning his degree in 2015. The experience at Elon, where he honed his craft alongside future Broadway talents, proved pivotal in shaping his artistic sensibilities .

Phillips’s professional journey began with short films, including an early role in “Rolling Cigarettes” (2014), before he landed more substantial parts across television and film . His breakout arrived with the CW fantasy series “Legacies,” where from 2021 to 2022, he played Ben, a character whose complexity and depth resonated with viewers .

The actor’s national profile soared with his performance in the 2022 film “Fire Island,” a modern, queer reimagining of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.” Phillips portrayed Dex, a character based on Austen’s George Wickham, bringing nuance and charisma to the screen in a film celebrated for its LGBTQ+ representation and wit . His role in “Fire Island” not only introduced Phillips to a broader audience but also underscored his commitment to projects that center queer voices and stories.

In 2023, Phillips took on the role of Chad in Netflix’s “Glamorous,” starring alongside Kim Cattrall and Miss Benny. The series was lauded for its playful exploration of LGBTQ+ themes, with Phillips describing his character as “a send up of that classic '80s and '90s trope of the blonde, rich douchebag” . His performance further solidified his reputation as a dynamic and self-aware actor willing to challenge stereotypes.

Outside television and film, Phillips has maintained strong ties to the stage. His theatrical credits include roles in productions like “Hair,” “Hairspray,” “Mamma Mia,” and “The Fantasticks,” reflecting his versatility and musical theater roots. Most recently, from August to September 2024, he starred off-Broadway in Gage Tarlton’s “Pretty Perfect Lives” at the Flea Theatre, sharing the stage with Elizabeth Lail .

Phillips’s openness about his identity has made him a visible and influential figure within the LGBTQ+ community. Publicly out and active in LGBTQ+ advocacy, he uses his platform to encourage authenticity and support for queer representation in media . In August 2023, Phillips shared his relationship with fellow actor Froy Gutierrez on Instagram, further normalizing LGBTQ+ relationships for a broad audience .

His advocacy and visibility were recognized in 2024 when he received the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Visibility Award at the HRC Utah Dinner, honoring his contributions to LGBTQ+ visibility in entertainment . Phillips has also spoken about the realities of sustaining a creative career during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he worked as a tutor to support himself, offering an honest glimpse into the challenges faced by artists .

Now, Zane Phillips is poised to capture New York audiences in “Messy White Gays,” the new play set to spark conversations about identity, privilege, and community. As Phillips continues to build a career marked by thoughtful role choices and visible advocacy, his presence in the production stands as both an artistic achievement and a beacon for LGBTQ+ audiences seeking authentic representation on stage .

With a growing roster of film, television, and theater credits, Phillips exemplifies a new generation of performers—grounded in community, committed to visibility, and unafraid to challenge norms. His journey from Texas community theaters to leading roles in major productions signals not only personal success but also the ongoing evolution of LGBTQ+ narratives in American culture.