“for the LOVE of Music” with Sara Troy and her guest Zara Phillips, on air from November 19th

ZARA PHILLIPS Somebody’s Daughter Adoptee Activist 

Celebrating the release of her autobiographical film Somebody’s Daughter, Zara Phillips offers a candid perspective that contrasts with the often cheerful portrayals of adopted children in media. Drawing from her advocacy work, sociological research, and personal experience as an adoptee, she highlights adoptees’ struggles with identity, often feeling like outsiders with incomplete histories. Studies show they are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide and often turn to addiction as a coping mechanism, as Zara did in her youth. “An adoptee suffers the only trauma in the world where they’re expected to feel grateful,” she says, emphasizing that adoptees are seldom asked about the psychological impact of separation from their birth mothers.

Her film and 2018 book (and later, a one-woman show) depict her journey of addiction, recovery, and reconnection with her birth father, blending pathos with humor. Zara shares comical moments—like discovering her Italian roots and navigating a meeting with her father at Dunkin’ Donuts—that soften the story’s heavy themes. The film is bright and engaging, featuring a “Greek Chorus” of friends who support her journey.

Zara Phillips is a multifaceted talent: an actress, singer, songwriter, and writer. She has released two albums, a memoir (“Mother Me”), and co-wrote a single with Darryl McDaniels. She’s also produced the autobiographical film Somebody’s Daughter, which explores her personal journey as an adoptee, her struggles with addiction, and her quest to connect with her birth family.

In addition to her creative work, Zara is a passionate advocate for adoptees, having spoken with experts like Gabor Maté and worked with organizations such as the OLLIE Foundation, a UK suicide prevention charity. “I’m grateful for the relationships with my biological family, made possible by AncestryDNA,” Zara says, reflecting on her deepened advocacy and the catharsis of making Somebody’s Daughter.

The film challenges the sanitized portrayal of adoption in mainstream media, revealing the deep psychological and emotional impacts on adoptees, including higher risks of suicide and addiction. Zara, adopted by a Jewish couple in the UK, highlights the trauma of separation from birth mothers and the challenges of forming attachments.

Somebody’s Daughter (also a 2018 book and 2022 one-woman show) chronicles Zara’s search for her birth parents and her path to healing. Directed by Liam Galvin, the film balances humor and pathos, featuring moments of self-discovery, including Zara’s humorous interactions with her biological family and adoptive mother.

Zara’s career spans music, writing, and advocacy. She began in the ’80s with music videos and backing vocals for artists like Bob Geldof and Matt Bianco, before returning to music in the 2000s with two albums. Her song “I’m Legit,” co-written with Darryl McDaniels, became a hit in the adoption community. In 2014, she won Best Direction for her one-woman show Beneath My Father’s Sky.

Her recent projects include the memoir Somebody’s Daughter, which she adapted into a play and film. Zara has also led workshops for adoptive families and mental health professionals. Grateful for the connections she’s made with her biological family through AncestryDNA, Zara feels the completion of her advocacy and creative journey in Somebody’s Daughter is a fulfilling culmination of years of personal and professional growth.

AMAZON

https://www.zaraphillips.net

https://www.zaraphillips.net/somebodys-daughter

https://www.facebook.com/zara.phillips1

https://www.instagram.com/zarahphillips

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