Phil Hyland began performing on stage at the Virginia Repertory Theatre in Richmond and on-screen making his television debut on NBC's movie of the week, “Lincoln” opposite Sam Waterston and then on the CBS Schoolbreak Special, “Sexual Considerations” with Bernie Casey (actor and NFL star) and Chandra Wilson ("Grey's Anatomy"). After studying method acting, songwriting, and improv (under the direction of Lewis Arquette at the Second City, Santa Monica CA) in Hollywood, he moved to New York City to hone his craft as a singer-songwriter.
Starting out with open mic nights, he eventually co-founded the band, Girlfriend, with singer Robin Cryer (daughter of veteran Broadway actors David & Gretchen Cryer and sister of actor, Jon Cryer) establishing a popular residency at the infamous Augie's on 106th St and Broadway and at the legendary Irish coffee house, Cafe Sin-é.
Their debut album, Girlfriend, The New Me was recorded in Richmond VA at Sound of Music Recording Studios, produced by John Morand and distributed nationally by Celsius Records. Girlfriend was prominent on the NYC indie band scene from 1993 to 1999 opening for New Wave icon Howard Jones and performing at Woodstock reboot, A Day in the Garden in 1998.
Post gig, Phil and Robin sat down for a radio interview with legendary Ramones frontman, Joey Ramone, live broadcasting from Yasgur’s Farm.
Their music has been licensed to TV shows, and feature films and has been broadcast worldwide.
Phil's new release, "Too Good" is out now and streaming everywhere and catch Phil acting on the Oxygen and TVOne network true crime shows, “Snapped”, “Fatal Attraction” and “Payback”!
Phil joins the cast of “Unshackled” (the longest-running audio drama in history, featuring real people, real stories, and real redemption) on April 4th, 2024 in the role of Francoise with two performances at EdenRidge Missionary Retreat in Crab Orchard TN. Learn more @unshackledpgm on Instagram.