Biography
Who is Lou Diamond Phillips?
Early life and real name
Lou Diamond Phillips was born Louis Diamond Upchurch on February 17, 1962, at the U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay in the Philippines. His mother was Lucita Umayam Aranas and his father was Gerald Amon Upchurch, a Marine crew chief. His father passed away when Lou was only a year old. His mother later remarried and he adopted the Phillips surname.
Lou grew up in Texas. He graduated from Flour Bluff High School in Corpus Christi in 1980. He then attended the University of Texas at Arlington where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Drama.
How Lou became famous
Lou Diamond Phillips achieved his breakthrough when he starred as early rock and roll singer Ritchie Valens in the biographical drama film La Bamba in 1987. Before that cinematic success, he appeared in an episode of Miami Vice portraying a detective named Bobby Diaz.
Following his breakout role, Lou co-starred with Edward James Olmos in the inner-city high school drama Stand and Deliver in 1988. He played Angel David Guzman, a role that earned him a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor and an Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male.
Career highlights
Lou Diamond Phillips has appeared in numerous films throughout his long career. His other well-known movie credits include Young Guns in 1988, Young Guns II in 1990, Courage Under Fire in 1996, The Big Hit in 1998, and The 33 in 2015. During the filming of Young Guns II, he suffered a serious injury when he was bucked off a horse and dragged by his stirrup.
In addition to film work, Lou has enjoyed a successful television and stage career. He made his Broadway debut in a 1996 revival of The King and I, earning a Tony Award nomination for his portrayal of King Mongkut of Siam. On television, he played Henry Standing Bear in the series Longmire and Police Lieutenant Gil Arroyo in Prodigal Son.
Family and relationships
Lou Diamond Phillips has been married multiple times and has children. He married assistant director Julie Cypher in September 1987, and the couple divorced in August 1990. He was later briefly engaged to actress Jennifer Tilly after they met on the set of the film Shadow of the Wolf.
In 1994, Lou married makeup artist Kelly Phillips. They had three daughters together named Gracie, Isabella, and Lili Jordan before separating in 2003 and finalizing their divorce in July 2007. He later began dating makeup artist Yvonne Boismier, and the two married in August 2007, welcoming a daughter together later that same year.
Birthday and age
Lou Diamond Phillips was born on February 17, 1962, which makes Lou 64 years old today. That birthday falls under the Aquarius sign. Lou shares the date with 30 other famous people.
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