Julianne Phillips rose to fame in the 1980s as both a high-profile model and a talented actress. Best known for her roles in television and her highly publicized marriage to musician Bruce Springsteen, Phillips became a household name during a defining era of pop culture. Over time, however, she stepped away from the public spotlight. So, what is Julianne Phillips doing now? This article explores her current life, career retreat, personal growth, and how she has maintained her identity after stepping away from Hollywood.
Early Life and Modeling Career
Born on May 6, 1960, in Chicago, Illinois, Julianne Phillips grew up in a large Roman Catholic family in Lake Oswego, Oregon. After attending college briefly, she turned her attention to modeling—a path that would soon launch her into mainstream fame.
Phillips signed with Elite Model Management, one of the top agencies in the fashion world. Her tall frame, classic beauty, and calm presence made her a favorite among commercial advertisers. By the early 1980s, she was one of the highest-paid models in the industry, appearing in ads for major brands and fashion spreads in notable magazines.
Her modeling career laid the foundation for a transition into acting, giving her both the visibility and the confidence to step into Hollywood.
Transition to Acting and On-Screen Success
In the mid-1980s, Julianne Phillips moved into acting. Her first credited role was in the 1984 television movie Summer Fantasy, followed by appearances in films such as Seven Hours to Judgment and Skin Deep, where she acted opposite John Ritter.
However, her most recognized role came with the NBC drama series Sisters, which aired from 1991 to 1996. Phillips played Francesca “Frankie” Reed, one of the four titular sisters navigating life, love, and family issues. The show received critical acclaim and built a loyal audience. Phillips’ performance was praised for its emotional depth and relatable portrayal of a working woman juggling career and personal life.
Her role in Sisters marked the peak of her acting career and solidified her place in television history during a time when female-led ensemble shows were gaining prominence.
High-Profile Marriage to Bruce Springsteen
One of the most publicized aspects of Julianne Phillips’ life was her marriage to iconic rock musician Bruce Springsteen. The two met in 1984 and married the following year. Their relationship was a frequent topic of media attention, partly due to their celebrity status and contrasting personalities—Phillips being media-shy and reserved, while Springsteen was a global rockstar.
Despite the media frenzy, the marriage faced challenges. Incompatibility and the pressures of fame contributed to a quiet separation and eventual divorce in 1989. While the experience placed Phillips under intense public scrutiny, she maintained a dignified silence, avoiding interviews or public disputes.
Today, many fans still associate her with Springsteen’s album Tunnel of Love, which reflects themes of romantic confusion and emotional distance during the period their relationship was unraveling.
Gradual Retirement from Acting
After the conclusion of Sisters in 1996, Julianne Phillips gradually stepped back from acting. Unlike many of her peers who pursued roles into later stages of their careers, Phillips made a conscious decision to retreat from the public eye.
Her departure from Hollywood was not marked by scandal or burnout but appeared to be a personal choice rooted in a desire for privacy and a different kind of life. Since then, she has made very few public appearances and has largely avoided the spotlight, declining most interview requests and staying off social media.
Fans have long respected her decision to prioritize personal well-being over continual fame, seeing her as someone who values authenticity and simplicity.
What is Julianne Phillips Doing Now?
Julianne Phillips is currently living a private and low-profile life away from the entertainment industry. While she has not publicly confirmed her location, she is believed to reside in the Pacific Northwest, possibly near her hometown of Lake Oswego or in a similarly peaceful, nature-rich setting.
She occasionally reconnects with fans and former co-stars through reunions or interviews but only on rare occasions. One such moment came in 2014, when she reunited with her Sisters castmates for a televised retrospective, briefly stepping back into the public eye to reflect on the show’s impact.
Currently, she is not involved in any known television or film projects. Phillips appears to have embraced a quiet, grounded life—far removed from red carpets and production schedules. Her post-Hollywood years seem to be focused on self-reflection, personal freedom, and privacy.
Focus on Personal Fulfillment and Philanthropy
Though no longer in the limelight, Julianne Phillips has reportedly supported various philanthropic causes over the years. While she does not actively publicize her charitable work, she is said to contribute to environmental organizations, women’s health initiatives, and programs focused on domestic violence awareness—issues that align with themes she once portrayed in her acting roles.
Her quiet generosity reflects a consistent value system centered on empathy and community support. Unlike celebrities who use charity as a PR move, Phillips prefers a more understated approach, consistent with her private nature.
Influence and Cultural Legacy
Even after stepping away from acting, Julianne Phillips remains a cultural reference point for the 1980s and 1990s television and modeling scene. Her poise, elegance, and refusal to chase constant publicity have made her a rare figure in the entertainment world—one who left on her own terms.
Her portrayal of Frankie in Sisters is often cited in retrospectives about powerful female characters on television. She helped shape a narrative where women could be complex, independent, and emotionally nuanced—without being reduced to stereotypes.
Fans continue to revisit her work, with many episodes of Sisters still circulating on streaming platforms and DVD collections. Her legacy endures through the strength of her performances and the dignity with which she exited public life.
Public Perception and Media Silence
Julianne Phillips’ media silence has only deepened public curiosity about her life. However, her decision not to engage in tabloid culture or social media has been largely respected. Unlike many celebrities of her generation, she did not seek reinvention or reality television fame. Instead, she chose peace and privacy.
This choice has set her apart in a culture often driven by exposure and relevance. In doing so, she has become something of an enigmatic figure—remembered fondly but rarely seen, her absence adding to the mystique of her legacy.
Potential for a Future Return?
While Phillips has never indicated plans to return to acting, fans occasionally speculate about the possibility of a comeback. With nostalgia-driven reboots and revivals gaining popularity, some hope she might make a special appearance or take on a new role that reflects her maturity and life experience.
However, there has been no public statement suggesting her interest in returning to the screen. For now, it seems she is content with the path she has chosen—one rooted in introspection and a quiet appreciation for life beyond fame.
Conclusion
So, what is Julianne Phillips doing now? She is living a life away from the spotlight, focused on personal peace and privacy. While she may no longer appear on screens or fashion covers, her influence as a model, actress, and public figure continues to resonate with fans.
Julianne Phillips represents a rare kind of celebrity—one who walked away at the height of her powers and found fulfillment beyond the entertainment industry. Her story is not one of decline, but of self-determination and grace. In an era where visibility is often equated with value, Phillips reminds us that true success sometimes lies in knowing when to step away.
FAQs
What is Julianne Phillips doing now?
Julianne Phillips is living a private life away from Hollywood and is not currently involved in acting or public media work.
Where is Julianne Phillips now?
While not publicly confirmed, she is believed to reside in the Pacific Northwest, likely near her home state of Oregon.
Is Julianne Phillips still acting?
No, she retired from acting after the conclusion of Sisters in 1996 and has made only rare public appearances since.
Was Julianne Phillips married to Bruce Springsteen?
Yes, she was married to Bruce Springsteen from 1985 to 1989. Their relationship was widely covered in the media at the time.
Did Julianne Phillips have children?
There are no public records or reports indicating that she has children.
Could Julianne Phillips return to acting?
While fans continue to hope for a return, there have been no official announcements or indications of her interest in returning to the entertainment industry.