Ross Philips

Born Ross Francis in Stowe, Vermont, Ross Philips began acting as a child in various local theater productions. At the age of 15, he informed his parents that he wanted to become a professional actor, and attended the Walnut Hill School for the Performing Arts in Natick, Massachusetts. Philips was subsequently accepted into the BFA Acting program at Carnegie Mellon University, and planned to explore the acting scene in New York after graduation. However, a visit to Los Angeles convinced him to relocate there instead, and he soon made his television debut in an episode of "Medium" (NBC 2005-2011). Taking his middle name as his professional surname due to the presence of another Ross Francis in the industry, Philips added appearances on "Private Practice" (ABC 2007-2011) and a series regular role on the web comedy "Misdirected" (Blip 2013) to his c.v. In 2011, Philips was cast in the CW comedy-drama "Hart of Dixie," which provided him with his most popular vehicle to date, as well as his widest exposure to a television audience. His character, the awkward but well-intentioned Tom Long, enjoyed a following among the show's viewers, especially after being partnered romantically with Mallory Malloy's equally quirky waitress, Wanda Long. In 2014, Philips enjoyed another recurring role as a youthful, enthusiastic Army lieutenant on the military sitcom "Enlisted" (Fox 2014-14).