As a 14 year old youth in Germany, he ran away from home to join a troop of actors where he soon began writing musicals shows. His play "The Poor Nobleman" ran for a thousand nights in Vienna and was performed in most of the principle cities of Germany.
Emigrated to the United States in 1889 and became an American citizen on 2 June, 1898.
Big break in America came playing lead tenor roles for Gustav Amberg's German operetta company.
Wrote, composed, acted, directed and managed for his own company at the Germania House and the Grand Opera House in New York City.
Founded the Adolph Philipp Theatre in Yorkville (a neighborhood in Manhattan).
In 1904, along with his brother Paul, founded the Deutsch-Amerikanisches Theatre in Berlin. Paul Philipp (1868-1923) was a noted Broadway producer.
Came under fire from some Germans who thought his 1914 play "Zabern" insulted the Kaiser.
Wrote his patriotic play "Tell It To the Marines" after America entered World War One.