Since the Murfreesboro area contains and has produced so many gifted people, I thought “why not do a story about some of the talented folks from the ’Boro from time to time?” Let’s call it “Making It From Murfreesboro With Mr. Murfreesboro.”
Here goes the first one—on a talented individual from Murfreesboro named Zavior Phillips, a Murfreesboro-raised writer and comedian.
Phillips got his start by creating the satirical school news show Mag Swag Newz at his alma mater, Central Magnet School. He has since gone on to write for television, including the Netflix comedy series Inside Job and for multiple award shows. He also performs standup comedy around the country and made his headlining debut at Zanies in Nashville on June 27.
Mr. Murfreesboro: Tell us about where you’re from? Where did you grow up?
Zavior Phillips: I grew up here in Murfreesboro. I went to Cason Lane Academy and then I went on to Central Magnet School, where I graduated.
Did you play sports?
I played basketball and soccer.
Were you a good student?
Yes, I had a 3.9 GPA in high school at Central Magnet.
When did you get started in acting and theater?
It was the fourth grade at Cason Lane Academy. There were times when I would leave the theater and go straight to the soccer field.
Tell me about your parents. I understand you come from a biracial family.
Mariah Phillips, who is white, is my mother. She was a teacher. And my father, Derrek Phillips, who is black, was a drummer for Hank Williams Jr. and Brent Eldridge [and performed with Michael McDonald, Bonnie Tyler, James Otto and many many others].
How was it growing up being biracial?
It was good. I had the best of both worlds.
When was your first production or play?
It was in fourth grade and it was called Seussical. Before I graduated from high school I had been in 30 theatrical productions and musicals and had written three short films.
Who was the first character you played?
Mowgli from The Jungle Book at the Center for the Arts here in Murfreesboro.
What was the first time you made money from your acting or writing?
It was at Central Magnet. I started a weekend update news segment called Mag Swag Newz that came on every Friday. I sold merch for the show.
Where did you go to college?
University of Chicago, on a full-ride scholarship.
What did you do to help offset costs while in college?
I taught middle schoolers improvisation.
How old are you now?
24.
Where do you live now?
L.A.
What would you rather do: TV, theater, writing or standup?
I love writing right now. I lean towards writing because people notice my scripts.
Why is writing so cool to you?
Being in a room full of writers and bouncing ideas off each other is so cool.
Who have you worked with and what was your proudest moment in L.A.?
I worked for the People’s Choice Awards and got to write some jokes for Keenan Thompson from Saturday Night Live. I was 22, just moved to L.A. and got to write jokes for him at the People’s Choice Awards, which was on national television. He was doing one of my jokes about the Rock, who was in the audience, so that was pretty special.
You had your first headline show at Zanies on June 27. What was that like?
It was awesome coming back home to Murfreesboro. Being surrounded by family and friends who have been with me the whole time was very special.
What makes a good comic?
Someone who understands the audience and knows where they are coming from. But what works in Arizona might not work here in Tennessee and vice versa. The comic must have good intentions and the jokes better be good.
What’s it like socializing in L.A. compared to here?
In L.A. most people are working in the industry. It’s more about networking. All your friends in L.A. are competing for the same opportunities as you are.
Have you ever experienced a earthquake in L.A.?
Yes, I woke up one morning and stood up and the room was shaking.
If you wanted to be like someone in the industry, who would that be and why?
Donald Glover, who started as a comedy writer for 30 Rock. I love his work.
Are you a musician like your father?
Yes. I like to write songs.
Your shows are clean. Why is that important to you?
Because if my 7-year-old cousin wants to come to the show, that is cool. I don’t have to worry about that.
What would you be doing if you weren’t a comedian/writer/actor?
Something to do with public policy that would be helping others. Comedy brings people together.
Is having a good agent important?
Yes, agents help put me in front of people. More importantly, it’s great to have scripts ready.
Will you take your phone or a little script when you go on stage to help guide you?
Sometimes.
What’s the most important thing about being a good comic?
I believe having your script ready and being prepared is important.
