Derek Phillips

A handsome, stage-trained actor, Derek Phillips had credits on the soap opera "Guiding Light" (CBS, 1952-2009) and the horror flick "Serum" (2006) under his belt when he landed the role of Billy Riggins, the older brother and guardian of Dillon Panthers football star Tim (Taylor Kitsch) on "Friday Night Lights" (NBC, 2006-11). As a frustrated former athlete struggling to keep his unconventional family together, Phillips dazzled critics and his profile rose accordingly, with the actor becoming a familiar guest star on a variety of series, including "Private Practice" (ABC, 2007-13) and "Castle" (ABC, 2009-16). Accomplished both on stage and on screen, Derek Phillips inspired many fans and critics to hope that he would find the right vehicle to show off his full acting potential.

Born April 18, 1976 in Miami, FL, Derek Phillips earned a BFA in acting from Baylor University. After graduation, he began amassing theatrical experience in a variety of productions, including "The Glass Menagerie," "A Winter's Tale" and "Of Mice and Men." His first screen role came with a pair of appearances on the soap opera "Guiding Light" (CBS, 1952-2009), and he also booked a guest spot on "Prison Break" (Fox, 2005-09) as a cop. Phillips starred in the sci-fi-tinged horror film "Serum" (2006), but truly came to prominence when he was cast as Billy Riggins, older brother and guardian to Dillon Panthers fullback/running back Tim (Taylor Kitsch) on "Friday Night Lights" (NBC, 2006-11).Although the small-town football-centered series was never a ratings smash, critics raved, and it attracted a small but loyal following as well as countless write-ups hailing it as an example of as one of television's all-time best shows. Critics repeatedly praised Phillips' performance as a frustrated former star athlete forced to give up his dream to keep his family together using any means possible. While recurring on "Friday Night Lights," the actor also booked guest spots on a slew of high-profile series, including "Grey's Anatomy" (ABC, 2005- ), "The Closer" (TNT, 2005-11) and "Medium" (NBC, 2005-09; CBS, 2009-11) as well as a recurring role on "Private Practice" (ABC, 2007-13). After "Friday Night Lights" ended its run, Phillips lensed memorable guest spots on the prison drama "Breakout Kings" (A+E, 2011-12) and the dramedy "Castle" (ABC, 2009-16).