Born in Dallas, Texas, Philip—known as "AJ" to friends and family—is an accomplished actor and writer. He is the son of Philip Smithey, an internal medicine physician, and Chantell Desiree Smithey (née Day), a real estate agent. Philip discovered his passion for acting at just 6 years old, performing in school and local theater throughout his childhood. After the sudden passing of his father to cancer during his junior year of high school, acting became his refuge and true identity. He earned his BA from Morehouse College and an MFA from the University of Connecticut, where he focused on acting. After graduation, he landed his first role in regional Shakespeare theater in Utah before moving to Los Angeles.

In the early stages of his career, Philip established himself in commercials and performed live sketch comedy with his group, Secondhand Smog, in Burbank. His early television roles included appearances on Criminal Minds, Grey’s Anatomy, NCIS, and Young and the Restless, as well as a recurring role as Keeshawn, a college student activist on Freeform’s Switched at Birth. These roles showcased his emotional depth and ability to navigate dramatic situations. His first series regular roles included Detective Darren “Daz” Phillips on the Netflix comedy Murderville and the endearing Keith Johnson in the Bounce and Hulu ensemble dramedy Johnson, which has aired for four successful seasons. Beyond acting and coaching, Philip serves as the acting president of The Collaborative, a nonprofit organization based in Sherman Oaks dedicated to the production, education, networking, and community development of actors. The organization fosters relationships between seasoned actors and casting offices, and Philip has held the presidency since 2021.