Lou Diamond Phillips Bio
Louis Diamond Phillips (né Upchurch; born February 17, 1962) is an American actor, director, and writer. His breakthrough came when he starred as Ritchie Valens in the biographical drama film La Bamba (1987). For his performance as Angel David Guzman in Stand and Deliver (1988), he was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor and won an Independent Spirit Award. Phillips has appeared in other notable films and television shows throughout his career.
Early Life and Background
Born Louis Diamond Upchurch on February 17, 1962, at the U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay in the Philippines, he is the son of Lucita Umayam Aranas and Gerald Amon Upchurch, a Marine KC-130 crew chief. His mother was Filipina, while his father was an American of Scots-Irish and Cherokee descent. Phillips has stated that he never claimed to be a Native actor, but he does have Native blood. He was named after U.S. Marine Lou Diamond. Phillips’s father died when he was only a year old, after which his mother remarried and adopted the Phillips surname. Phillips was raised in Texas and graduated from Flour Bluff High School in Corpus Christi in 1980. He later attended the University of Texas at Arlington, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Drama.
Path to Hollywood
Phillips’s big break came with the starring role in La Bamba (1987), in which he portrayed early rocker Ritchie Valens. Prior to his cinematic breakthrough, he starred in the Miami Vice episode “Red Tape” in March 1987, portraying detective Bobby Diaz. In 1988, Phillips co-starred with Edward James Olmos in the inner-city high school drama Stand and Deliver, in a role for which he won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male and was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor. He played Angel David Guzman, a cholo gangster who is inspired by his math teacher, Jaime Escalante, to excel at calculus. Phillips also co-starred with Emilio Estevez and Kiefer Sutherland in the Western film Young Guns (1988), where he played José Chávez y Chávez, a historical Old West outlaw.
Lou Diamond Phillips Career
Early Career (1984-1989)
Phillips began his career in 1984, and his first notable work was in La Bamba, which established him as a leading actor in Hollywood. In 1988, he starred in Stand and Deliver, earning critical acclaim and recognition for his performance. His role in Young Guns further solidified his status as a prominent actor in the industry.
Breakthrough (1987-1989)
The film La Bamba was a significant turning point in Phillips’s career. His portrayal of Ritchie Valens not only showcased his acting talent but also introduced him to a wider audience. Following this success, Phillips continued to build on his momentum with roles in Stand and Deliver and Young Guns, both of which became iconic films of the late 1980s.
Notable Works and Milestones
Phillips’s signature work includes La Bamba, which remains one of his most recognized performances. He received several accolades for his role in Stand and Deliver, including a nomination for a Golden Globe Award and a win at the Independent Spirit Awards.
Lou Diamond Phillips Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Lou Diamond Phillips has received various nominations, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Stand and Deliver. His performances have been recognized by several award organizations, highlighting his contributions to film and television.
Lou Diamond Phillips Awards Won
Lou Diamond Phillips has won several awards, including an Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male for his role in Stand and Deliver. His achievements in acting have made him a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
Lou Diamond Phillips Family
Lou Diamond Phillips is the son of Gerald Amon Upchurch and Lucita Umayam Aranas. He has four daughters, including Indigo, who was born in 2007. Phillips has been married to Yvonne Boismier since 2007.
Personal Life
Lou Diamond Phillips was previously married to Julie Cypher and Kelly Preston. He was also engaged to Jennifer Tilly. His personal life has included various relationships, and he has been open about his experiences as a father and partner.
