Mackenzie Phillips

Actress best known for her roles in "American Graffiti" and "One Day At A Time" who speaks on battling substance abuse and growing up in Hollywood.

Travels From:  California

SPEECH TOPICS

Life is Good: My Personal Story Dealing with Substance Abuse

Growing Up In Hollywood: Life in the Fast Lane

ABOUT Mackenzie Phillips

Mackenzie Phillips burst onto the acting scene at the age of twelve playing Carol, the outrageously pushy hitchhiker in George Lucas' critically acclaimed film "American Graffiti." While the film went on to become one of the most successful films in cinematic history, it also made Phillips an instant star.

Perhaps best known for her role as Julie Cooper on "One Day at A Time," Phillips was just fifteen years old when she began her seven year stint on the popular CBS sitcom in 1975. She most recently finished filming the feature film, "The Jacket," opposite Oscar-winner Adrien Brody, which will be released in 2005. She also starred as Molly Phillips in the Disney Channel series "So Weird" for the 1998-2000 seasons, as well as in the Disney movie, "Double Teamed."

Phillips has also appeared in the feature films "Rafferty & The Gold Dust Twins" and "True Friends," as well as the television movies "Katie's Secret," "Miles Before I Go to Sleep," and "Eleanor and Franklin." She has also guest starred in television series "NYPD Blue," "ER," "Chicago Hope," "Crossing Jordan," and "Without a Trace." Her recent stage appearances include "The Vagina Monologues" in New York City, as well as a starring role in the national tour of "Grease" and "Same Time, Next Year." She also reprised her role of Rizzo in "Grease" on Broadway.

Born into a legendary musical family, Phillips is also a talented singer and songwriter, gifts no doubt inherited from her father, John Phillips, who created the 60's vocal group, The Mamas and The Papas.

Early in her life, Phillips battled alcoholism and drug addiction, and she now dedicates herself to raising awareness and educating the public on the issue of substance abuse. She is a nationally renowned speaker and is frequently requested to appear on talk shows, in schools, and for civic organizations. One of the very few child stars to have survived addiction and establish a second career, Phillips' personal motto is "Life is Good," and she's happy to share her story so that others may be inspired.

TESTIMONIALS

"We listened in awe as she described in detail a life that many of us couldn't even fathom. Many people found comfort and help that day." — Friends of Vista Hill

"We have experienced all kinds of events, however none of them compare to the excitement and fun that was generated by your participation." — Video Software Dealers Association

"Your poignant words were so beautifully expressed, and you touched our hearts with your candor about your own personal experience." — Valley Women's Center, Inc.