Phillip Thomas was born and raised in both Rosedale and Cleveland, MS. Growing up in a single-parent household with his mother, Delphia Thomas, and his sister, he found solace in outdoor sports like sandlot baseball, basketball, and football. These activities, often held in friends’ yards or on the streets, provided both fun and a way to stay out of trouble.
One of the most impactful pieces of advice Phillip received came from his mother: “You will never truly know until you try.” At age 15, after the passing of his grandfather on Phillip’s 15th birthday, he stepped into the role of “Man of the House” for both his mother’s and grandparents’ homes. His grandfather’s frequent quote from 1 Corinthians 11:13 resonated with him: “When I was a child, I spoke as a child… but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” Phillip remembers responding, “But Grandpa, I’m only 12 years old.”
Though he began as a “B/C student” academically, Phillip’s determination carried him forward. He earned a degree in Fitness Management from Mississippi State University and later a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Alongside his academic achievements, Phillip has found success as a working actor, appearing in commercials for brands like AutoZone (alongside his daughter), Home Depot (DIY videos), True Green, First Citizens Bank, Bojangles, and recently landed a brief role on an NBC TV series. He is also a Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Life Coach.