His stand-up comedy persona makes use of paraprosdokians spoken in a wandering falsetto tone of voice.

[2] The character of Emo Philips appears as a fidgety, possibly mentally disturbed, nervous but highly intelligent individual.

His look (occasionally described as geeky, disco and vaudeville-inspired), particularly his hair—a 1970s-style bob with straight-lined front fringe—has been a signature part of his appearance and act for most of his career.

Aside from Philips's long career as a standup comic, he has been featured in acting roles on television series such as Miami Vice and The Weird Al Show.

He has appeared in feature films including 1989's UHF (as Joe Earley, a rather clumsy school shop teacher who accidentally saws his thumb off) and Desperation Boulevard in 1998.