A stage-trained character player who endeared himself to TV audiences playing likable if somewhat geeky and enthusiastic supporting roles, Ethan Phillips was best known for his five-year stint (1980-85) on the popular ABC sitcom, "Benson" as press secretary Pete Downey. He remained visible as a frequent TV guest star on such series as "Murphy Brown," "NYPD Blue," "Law and Order" and "Star Trek: The Next Generation." Philips also appeared in small roles in a number of features, including his film debut in the acclaimed "Ragtime" (1981), "Glory" (1989), "Green Card" (1990), "The Man Without a
