Lou Diamond Phillips
He burst onto the scene as a rock and roll pioneer in 'La Bamba,' forging a durable career defined by intense, character-driven performances.
Born 1962 (age 64)·American actor·Birthday: February 17·Baby Boomers
Biography
Lou Diamond Phillips arrived with the force of a cultural moment. His portrayal of Ritchie Valens in 'La Bamba' was more than a breakthrough; it introduced a vibrant Latino star to mainstream Hollywood at a time when such roles were scarce. He immediately followed it with an Oscar-worthy turn as a troubled student in 'Stand and Deliver,' proving his dramatic depth. Phillips never settled into a single lane. He navigated a varied path, taking on military roles in 'Courage Under Fire,' starring on Broadway in 'The King and I,' and becoming a familiar face on television series like 'Longmire' and 'Prodigal Son.' His career, marked by resilience and versatility, reflects the journey of an actor who works constantly, bringing a grounded authenticity to every part, from historical figures to hardened lawmen.
Baby Boomers
1946–1964
The largest generation in history at the time. Shaped by postwar prosperity, the Vietnam War, the sexual revolution, and Watergate. They questioned every institution their parents built — then ran them.
Lou was born in 1962, placing them squarely in the Baby Boomers. The events that shaped this generation — postwar prosperity, civil rights, Vietnam, and the counterculture — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Lou Was Born
The biggest hits of 1962
#1 Movie
Lawrence of Arabia
Best Picture
Lawrence of Arabia
#1 TV Show
Beverly Hillbillies
Lou's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1962Born
Cuban Missile Crisis brings the world to the brink
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,800Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Stranger on the Shore" — Acker BilkBest Picture: Lawrence of Arabia
1967Started school
Summer of Love in San Francisco; first Super Bowl
Gas: $0.33/galHome: $14,250Min wage: $1.40/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"To Sir, with Love" — LuluBest Picture: In the Heat of the Night
1975Became a teenager
Fall of Saigon ends the Vietnam War
Gas: $0.57/galHome: $27,600Min wage: $2.10/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Love Will Keep Us Together" — Captain & TennilleBest Picture: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
1978Could drive
First test-tube baby born
Gas: $0.63/galHome: $35,300Min wage: $2.65/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Shadow Dancing" — Andy GibbBest Picture: The Deer Hunter
1980Could vote
John Lennon shot and killed in New York
Gas: $1.19/galHome: $47,200Min wage: $3.10/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Call Me" — BlondieBest Picture: Ordinary People
1983Turned 21
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1992Turned 30
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2002Turned 40
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2012Turned 50
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 60
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 64 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Delivered a star-making performance as rock and roll legend Ritchie Valens in the 1987 biopic 'La Bamba.'
- Received a Golden Globe nomination for his supporting role as Angel Guzman in the film 'Stand and Deliver.'
- Starred as the King of Siam in a acclaimed Broadway revival of 'The King and I,' earning a Tony Award nomination.
- Played a long-running role as Henry Standing Bear in the television series 'Longmire,' a fan-favorite character.
Did You Know?
He is a certified scuba diver and has a black belt in Kenpo karate.
He was born in the Philippines at the U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay.
He directed an episode of the television series 'The Night Shift.'
His middle name, 'Diamond,' is his mother's maiden name.
“I've played kings and killers, but the role I'm proudest of is being a working actor.”
