Phillip Adams

Phillip Andrew Hedley Adams was born on July 12, 1939, in Maryborough, Victoria, Australia. His early life was marked by his parents’ separation and financial struggles, which led him to leave school before completing his secondary education. At fifteen, he began working at the advertising agency Briggs & James, marking the start of a diverse career. During this time, he also joined the Communist Party of Australia at age 16, contributing to the ‘Communist Guardian’ under a pseudonym, before leaving the party at 19.

Adams transitioned into journalism, initially ghostwriting for ‘The Bulletin’ before writing under his own name. He later became a columnist for ‘The Australian’ in the 1960s, a role that became a central platform for his long career. Simultaneously, he made significant contributions to the Australian film industry, authoring a pivotal 1969 report that led to the establishment of the Australian Film and Television Development Corporation in 1970 and later co-founding the Australian Film Television and Radio School. He produced notable films such as ‘The Adventures of Barry McKenzie’ (1972) and ‘Don’s Party’ (1976).

His advertising career flourished, becoming a partner at Monahan Dayman Adams, where he developed impactful public health campaigns like ‘Life. Be in it.’ and ‘Slip, Slop, Slap’ before his departure in the 1980s. From 1991 until June 2024, Adams hosted ABC Radio National’s ‘Late Night Live,’ an influential program covering politics, science, philosophy, and culture. His extensive contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including multiple honorary doctorates, the Companion of the Order of Australia, and recognition as one of Australia’s ‘national living treasures.’