Emo Philips is an American comedian known for his distinctive appearance, quirky delivery, falsetto voice, and surreal, offbeat one-liners. Born on February 7, 1956, in the Chicago suburb of Downers Grove, Illinois, he became a cult figure in the 1980s comedy scene thanks to his absurdist stand-up routines and eccentric stage persona.
While best known for his live performances, Philips has made several notable appearances in film and television. One of his most memorable roles came in the 1989 cult comedy "UHF," starring "Weird Al" Yankovic. In the film, Philips plays a clumsy shop teacher who hilariously injures himself on camera during a demonstration—a bit that’s become one of the film's standout moments.
Philips also made guest appearances on a number of TV shows, particularly during the height of his popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He appeared on "Miami Vice" in 1987 as a hacker in the episode "Trust Fund Pirates," and he lent his unique voice to the animated series "Adventure Time" in a 2012 episode titled "The Other Tarts," where he voiced the character of Chet, the Candy Kingdom’s tart delivery specialist.
In addition to screen appearances, Philips has released multiple comedy albums, including "E=mo²" (1985) and "Live at the Hasty Pudding Theatre" (1987), and he has remained an active performer on the stand-up circuit for decades. His influence can be seen in many contemporary comedians who embrace the absurd and the intellectual in their humor.