According to his biography, all Sault-born Boomer Phillips ever wanted to be when he was growing up was a firefighter.
In high school, he was the only person that knew what they wanted to be – a firefighter and actor.
A guidance counsellor told him the odds of having one of those careers were slim to none.
“I listened to him and took mechanical engineering,” he says. “I refused to work in that field when I graduated.”
After obtaining his Mechanical Engineering diploma and graduating from the Texas A&M University Fire Academy, a shortage of firefighter jobs at the time made him reconsider his options.
“I was 27 years old working as a garbage man trying to get on a fire department when I decided to follow the acting dream,” says Phillips.
“I vividly remember sitting in my garbage truck reading an article in the Toronto star about all these rock stars that died at 27. I thought, wow, I’m 27 and haven’t even tried to pursue my dream. I started crying, got out of the truck, went into the office and asked for a 3-month leave of absence.”
In 2005, he stepped on a stand-up comedy stage and then quickly became a finalist in three high profile comedy competitions.
By 2006, he set a goal for himself to transfer into TV/film. Within a year, he was working for MuchMusic, hosting a show on YTV.
This led to over 60 commercials, 200 television appearances and has had multiple roles in various feature films. His credits include guest spots on Crave TVs hit comedy Letterkenny, Hulu's A Handmaids Tale, Jay Baruchel's hockey sequel Goon 2, FX’s The Strain and most recently a spot on the upcoming season of the critically acclaimed sci-fi show The Expanse.
By the way, he also has that career as a firefighter.
No one can accuse Phillips of not working hard and being persistent.
“I’m a firm believer of failing until you succeed,” he says.
“If you want something bad enough just don’t give up. Most people don’t realize how close they were to success when they quit. I applied to thirty different cities before I was hired by a fire department and applied to fifty different acting agencies before one gave me a chance.”
It’s clear that Phillips doesn’t view setbacks as failing.
“It’s not failing if you learn one thing from it,” he says.
“Most people are afraid to fail. I’ve learned to embrace falling flat on your face. If there’s one thing I’m good at, it’s failing. If you have a dream or know what you want to be go after it and don’t stop till you get there. Listen to your gut. Don’t listen to the people who say you can’t do it.”
Every year, Phillips sets goals for himself using a vision board.
“I think I’ve accomplished about ten per cent of what I have written down. As long as I keep my hat in the ring, I still have a chance of achieving them.”
In late 2019, Phillips turned that ‘can do’ attitude into a short film called Squashed with director/writer Peter Anthony.
“We made the short film to show people there is no excuse if you want to create something,” says Phillips.
“It was all shot on our cell phones for under a hundred bucks. The process was definitely an experience. We learned so much from working on it. Usually, I’m used to showing up on set, delivering my lines and going home. With Squashed, we were forced to adapt and overcome so many different variables.”
The short made it into film festivals before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
“Most people enjoyed it for what it was, a silly irreverent comedy short. People are aware they’re not about to watch The Shawshank Redemption,” he laughs.
“2020 started out super busy. I was lucky enough to book a recurring role in The Expanse on Amazon Prime for a couple episodes, a small role in a Christmas movie and another small role in a detective mystery which should be airing soon. Then COVID hit and I was sent directly to acting jail. If you’re unfamiliar with what acting jail is, it’s when the phone doesn’t ring and you begin thinking ‘will I ever work again?’
One of Phillips' most famous acting roles was on the ever-popular Letterkenny, which has recently been renewed for its ninth season.
“Working on Letterkenny is an absolute blast,” he says.
“The crew and cast are so humble and professional, they really make you feel comfortable and at home. I was brought in during the 2nd season and wasn’t expecting to be brought back. Luckily for me, they called me up for season 3 and then again for a couple others. So fingers crossed the agent calls to say I’ll be returning soon.”
For Phillips, having a dual career proved to be essential in getting through these challenging times.
“I’m very grateful that I have my firefighting job during these unprecedented times because my acting gig was basically shut down for half the year. I’m pretty sure Netflix is going to send me a certificate congratulating me for watching everything they have on their App,” he laughs.
Netflix jokes aside, Phillips recognizes the need to remain mentally and physically healthy during this period where Toronto, where he currently lives, is “on lockdown.”
For Phillips, working out and eating a healthy diet is one strategy to help him stay positive. Even with local gyms closed, he works out in his underground parking with a weight vest, medicine ball and kettlebell.
“It’s all how you view your situation. There are people who are happy with a lot less than what you have. You can get locked down and be negative or you can use this time as a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Phillips sees this unprecedented time as an opportunity for people to better themselves.
“Use the lockdown to take a course for a career you always wanted, write that screenplay, or learn to play an instrument. In 3-6-9 months or whenever this COVID thing is done, you can be so far ahead of the game and be ready to hit the ground running. Don’t waste this time lying around. Now, if you’ll excuse me I’m going to have a nap and watch Netflix,” he laughs.
Phillips' positive can-do attitude and resilience were developed in his formative years growing up in the Sault.
“I remember delivering newspapers as a kid daydreaming about one day being an actor,” he says.
“Living there was such a great experience and I wouldn’t change my childhood for anything. Growing up in a small northern Ontario town pushed me to dream and have a vision at a young age.”
Phillips credits his father for inspiring his sense of humour.
“My dad is by far the funniest person I’ve ever met,” he says.
“His personality, coupled with some of his hilarious friends, has given me enough material for ten lifetimes.”
Phillips tries to come back home to the Sault as often as he can.
“My family is still there and I try to get back at Christmas and the summer. I love being able to see my mom, dad, aunts, uncles, nieces and friends.”
One of his absolute favourite things to do in the Sault is a pizza crawl.
“Rather than binge out on one pizza, my friends and I like to bike or walk all over the city eating a slice from all of them. Between the pizza and Superior Bakery butter tarts, I have to limit the amount of time in the Sault because I can’t control myself. Many times I’ve returned to Toronto with an extra 10 pounds on my face from just a 3-day visit.”
Phillips is disappointed that he likely won’t be returning this Christmas season.
“This year is going to be different because I probably won’t be coming home,” he says.
“I would hate to be carrying COVID and not know it, and then wipe out my parents and half the Sault.”
When jokingly asked what he wants for Christmas, Phillips responds using his characteristic combination of humour and thoughtfulness.
“The man I am now at 43 is not the man I was when I was 23. I know this because when I was 23, my favourite band was Creed,” he laughs.
“20 years ago I would probably ask for a bunch of useless material possessions that would do nothing but feed my ego and satisfy my narcissistic tendencies. Now, I would give anything for a Christmas dinner with my family and to see the innocent smiles of my nieces after Santa made his visit.”
Of course, Phillips then goes on to list a 2021 Cherry Red Ferrari F8 Tributo with all tanned leather interior, a white gold 55 mm Rolex watch, iPhone 12 and a 3-bed, 2-bath beach house in Costa Rica with a private swim-up infinity pool with a private concierge.
“I think I’m getting a little ahead of myself. So if I can’t have the latter I guess the family dinner and the niece thing will suffice.”
For more information on Boomer Phillips, follow him on his Instagram or Twitter page. To read more on his acting career visit his IMDB page.