Philippe's life was forever changed on a fateful day during World War I, when an air raid ravaged the streets of France, claiming the life of his mother in the process. In the aftermath of this devastating event, Philippe was taken in by Mrs. Edith DeLacy, a compassionate individual with ties to the Women's Overseas Hospital. Mrs. DeLacy's kindness and generosity led her to adopt Philippe, providing him with a sense of security and stability in the midst of chaos.
Following the war, Mrs. DeLacy made the bold decision to bring Philippe to America, a move that would ultimately alter the course of his life. As he settled into his new surroundings, Philippe's striking features and captivating charm soon made him a sought-after model for advertisements. His good looks and charisma eventually caught the attention of the film industry, leading him to make his debut on the big screen.