Dr. Phil

Background

Dr. Phil is most well recognized for his work in psychology with his hit T.V. show, “Dr. Phil”, having over 18 million viewers. Dr. Phil was born in Vinita, Oklahoma. His father, Joseph, was an equipment supplier in the oil fields of North Texas before he became a psychologist, inspiring his son to follow in his footsteps. McGraw is the only son and he grew up with three sisters, Donna, Deana, and Brenda. After finishing high school, he studied at the University of Tulsa and transferred to Midwestern State University where he got his undergraduate degree in psychology in 1975. He then obtained his Master’s degree in psychology in 1976 and, in 1979, he earned his Doctorate of Philosophy in psychology from the University of North Texas, officially giving him the title of ‘Dr’. He then did a year of post-doctoral training at the Wilmington Institute, specializing in forensic psychology. After completing his studies, he began practicing psychology with his father at his father’s private practice.

A few years later, McGraw co-founded a legal consulting firm, Courtroom Sciences, Inc. (C.S.I.). The firm has provided services for major airlines, Fortune 500 companies, and top trial lawyers. It was during his time with the firm that he met daytime T.V. legend, Oprah Winfrey. She was preparing for a trial against the Texas Beef Group that alleged she had spread misinformation about the beef industry on her show. Winfrey took an instant liking to McGraw and he appeared as a guest on “The Oprah Winfrey” show for the first time in 1998. She then hired him to appear on the show every week in his capacity as a life strategy and relationship expert. A year later, he published his first book about relationships entitled “Life Strategies.”

In 2002, McGraw’s reality T.V. show, “Dr. Phil”, debuted — for which he would gain global fame. On the show, he interviewed a wide variety of guests and gave them advice based on his studies and experience as a clinical psychologist. A year later, he ventured into the weight-loss and supplement industry. He joined the company Shape Up as a promoter and endorser of the company’s products. In 2006, he stopped renewing his license to practice clinical psychology as the California Board of Psychology determined he didn’t need one for his work as the host of Dr. Phil as his role on the show was as an entertainer rather than a therapist. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2020.