Phylip Harries was born and raised in the Swansea Valley and attended Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera, one of the Welsh-medium schools that has produced a notable number of successful actors from the Swansea and Neath valleys. He went on to train at the Coleg Cerdd a Drama Cymru (Welsh College of Music and Drama) in Cardiff, and is a fluent Welsh speaker.
Harries has spent much of his career working in Welsh-language theatre and television, with a long-running presence in the S4C soap opera 'Pobol y Cwm', and appearances in series including 'Amdani', 'Halen yn y Gwaed' and 'Con Passionate'. His English-language screen credits include 'Torchwood', 'Doctor Who', 'Hinterland' and 'Steeltown Murders' for the BBC, and his film work includes 'Arthur's Dyke' and 'The Last Seduction II'.
As well as acting, Harries is a director, having worked extensively with Theatr Na Nog as an Associate Director, and with companies including Clwyd Theatr Cymru and Wales Theatre Company. He is also a proficient musician, playing flute, saxophone and piano accordion.
Harries' Welsh connection is well documented and directly supports the original claim made for this entry: he comes from the Swansea Valley area around Ystalyfera and has built his career very largely within Welsh-language and Welsh theatre and broadcasting.