Lou Diamond Phillips.

Lou Diamond Upchurch

Born 17 Feb 1962 Olongapo, Philippines

Citizenship Philippines

Age 64 yr Today

14 min read

Reading time

2,670

Words

Oct 16, 2026

Published

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TL;DR

Lou Diamond Phillips broke out as Ritchie Valens in La Bamba 1987, then earned a Golden Globe nomination for Stand and Deliver 1988. He originated the role of King Mongkut on Broadway in 1996, earning a Tony nomination. His TV work includes Longmire and Prodigal Son. Two of his films are in the National Film Registry.

Identity & family.

KIN · 6

Names, aliases, and relatives of Lou Diamond Phillips — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Birth Name Lou Diamond Upchurch

Aliases Lou Diamond, Louis Gem Phips

Spouses: Yvonne Boismier Phillips Kelly Phillips Julie Cypher
Children: Gracie Phillips Isabella Phillips Lili Jordan

At a glance.

STATS

Lou Diamond Phillips by the numbers — life, work, and family.

64 Age

1 Award

3 Marriages

3 Children

Who is Lou Diamond Phillips?

BIOGRAPHY

Lou Diamond Phillips — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

The son of an American father and a Filipino mother, Lou Diamond Phillips was born on February 17, 1962, at Subic Bay Naval Base in Olongapo City, Philippines. His father named him after Marine Gunnery Sergeant Leland Lou Diamond. He was raised mostly in Texas after his parents divorced, and he took the surname Phillips from his stepfather. At Flour Bluff High School in Corpus Christi, he worked at Whataburger and became a shift leader. He began acting at Stage West in Fort Worth and later earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Career

Phillips landed his breakthrough role as Ritchie Valens in La Bamba 1987, for which he learned to sing and play guitar and gained weight. The next year, he starred in Stand and Deliver 1988 as Angel Guzman, earning a Golden Globe nomination and an Independent Spirit Award. He joined the cast of Young Guns 1988 and its sequel Young Guns II 1990. In 1996, he made his Broadway debut as King Mongkut in a revival of The King and I, receiving a Tony nomination and winning a Theatre World Award. His film roles include Courage Under Fire 1996, The Big Hit 1998, Brokedown Palace 1999, Che 2008, and The 33 2015. On television, he played Henry Standing Bear on Longmire 2012-2017 and Lieutenant Gil Arroyo on Prodigal Son 2019-2021.

Personal life

Phillips married production assistant Julie Cypher on June 27, 1987, but they divorced in 1990. He later wed Kelly Phillips on April 24, 1994; they had twin daughters Grace and Isabella born October 5, 1997 and a daughter Lili Jordan born September 26, 1999 before divorcing in 2007. On August 16, 2007, he married Yvonne Boismier, with whom he has a daughter Indigo Sanara born October 9, 2007. He was also engaged to actress Jennifer Tilly. He is a poker enthusiast and has hosted games at his Los Angeles home for nearly two decades.

Legacy

Two of Phillips’s films have been selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress: La Bamba 1987 and Stand and Deliver 1988. He was honored with the GI Spirit Award in 2011 for embodying the spirit of an American GI. As a Filipino-American actor, he has been dubbed an Honorary Latino by Remezcla. He endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in her 2024 presidential campaign. He is most remembered for his portrayal of Ritchie Valens in La Bamba.

Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 1

Every award, honor, and recognition received by Lou Diamond Phillips — Grammys, hall-of-fame inductions, civic honors, lifetime achievements.

Theatre World Award

Notable quotes.

QUOTES · 3

A wall of memorable lines from Lou Diamond Phillips — lyrics, interviews, and off-the-cuff remarks captured over a lifetime.

The Only Power an Actor Has Is the Ability to Say, No.
The Gypsy in Me Still Loves Going on Location; Loves Meeting New People; Loves the Three Month, I’m in Summer Camp Kind of Thing.
Just Before Courage Under Fire I Made a Decision to Start Going After Quote Unquote Bigger Roles. I Think Hollywood Got to a Place Where They Thought They Knew What to Expect from Me. I Thought That Maybe a Few Things Would Come to Me. Well, They Didn’t. I Said Fine from Now on I’m Going to Identify What’s Out There; I Don’t Care If It’s Written for a Blonde Haired Blue Eyed Guy. If They’ll Let Me in the Door, I’m Going to Take a Shot at It and Show People What I Can Do. I’d Never Done Comedy. I’d Rarely Done Romance. Courage Under Fire, the King and I and the Big Hit, All of This Was an Effort on My Part to Expand the Perception of My Range. the Range Has Always Been There.

Did you know?

FACTS · 23

Little-known facts about Lou Diamond Phillips — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

Lou Diamond Phillips earned a 1996 Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of the King in a revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King and I.
His father, Gerald Amon Upchurch, named him after Marine Gunnery Sergeant Leland Lou Diamond, known as Mr. Leatherneck, who enlisted at age 27 in 1917 and served in both world wars.
Phillips’s father was an American from Georgia with English and Scots-Irish ancestry; his mother, Lucita Umayam Araña, was a Filipino from Candelaria.
He contributed Native American vocals to Jon Bon Jovi’s solo album soundtrack for Young Guns II 1990.
He attended and graduated from Flour Bluff High School in Corpus Christi, Texas.
The surname Phillips came from his stepfather after his mother remarried.
As a teen, Phillips worked at Whataburger, eventually becoming a shift leader.
With his second wife Kelly Phillips, he has three daughters: twins Grace and Isabella born October 5, 1997 and Lili Jordan born September 26, 1999.
He and his wife Yvonne Boismier Phillips had a daughter, Indigo Sanara, on October 9, 2007.
In May 2011, Phillips received the GI Spirit Award from the GI Film Festival founders Brandon Millet and Laura Law-Millet, honoring actors who embody the spirit of an American GI; prior recipients include Jon Voight and Gary Sinise.
He met his wife Yvonne while shooting a Radio Shack commercial in Vancouver, British Columbia.
For La Bamba 1987, the then-25-year-old Phillips gained 15 pounds to achieve a chubbier face and learned to sing and play guitar after passing the audition; during filming he married production assistant Julie Cypher.
He performs with the band The Pipefitters with Lou Diamond Phillips.
His theater acting began at Stage West in Fort Worth, Texas, and he continues to enjoy performing on stage.
Two of his films have been selected for the National Film Registry: La Bamba 1987 and Stand and Deliver 1988.
He loves playing poker and has hosted poker games at his Los Angeles home for nearly two decades.
His mentor was actor/director Adam Roarke; he managed Roarke’s Film Actors Lab in Arlington, Texas, and was a graduate.
He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Drama from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Remezcla, a site targeting Latino Millennials, dubbed him an Honorary Latino.
He was once engaged to actress and poker player Jennifer Tilly.
He turned down his role in Supernova 2000 several times before accepting.
He is good friends with Kiefer Sutherland, Bill Allen, Miguel Ferrer, and the late Brandon Lee.
He auditioned for the role of Richard Lestrange in The Blue Lagoon 1980, which went to Christopher Atkins.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 51

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Lou Diamond Phillips.

When was Lou Diamond Phillips born?

Lou Diamond Phillips was born on February 17, 1962. He is currently 64 years old as of 2026.
Where was Lou Diamond Phillips born?

He was born at Subic Bay Naval Base in Olongapo City, Zambales, Philippines. This location is a U.S. naval facility.
How old is Lou Diamond Phillips?

As of 2026, Lou Diamond Phillips is 64 years old. He was born on February 17, 1962.
What is Lou Diamond Phillips's real name?

His birth name is Lou Diamond Upchurch. He later took the surname Phillips from his stepfather.
What does Lou Diamond Phillips do for a living?

He works as an actor, director, and writer. He is best known for his film and television roles.
What nationality is Lou Diamond Phillips?

He holds citizenship in the Philippines. He was born on a U.S. naval base in the Philippines to an American father and a Filipino mother.
What language does Lou Diamond Phillips speak?

His native language is English. He also has some knowledge of Filipino languages due to his heritage.
Who is Lou Diamond Phillips married to?

He has been married three times: to Julie Cypher from 1987 to 1990, to Kelly Phillips from 1994 to 2007, and to Yvonne Boismier Phillips since 2007.
Does Lou Diamond Phillips have children?

Yes, he has four children: twins Gracie and Isabella with Kelly Phillips born 1997, Lili Jordan with Kelly Phillips born 1999, and Indigo Sanara with Yvonne Boismier Phillips born 2007.
Where did Lou Diamond Phillips go to school?

He attended Flour Bluff High School in Corpus Christi, Texas, and later the University of Texas at Arlington, where he earned a BFA in Drama.
What awards has Lou Diamond Phillips won?

He won the Theatre World Award for his Broadway debut in The King and I in 1996. He also received an Independent Spirit Award for Stand and Deliver.
How many awards has Lou Diamond Phillips won?

He has won at least one major award, the Theatre World Award. He also received an Independent Spirit Award and a GI Spirit Award.
What is Lou Diamond Phillips best known for?

He is best known for playing Ritchie Valens in La Bamba 1987 and Angel Guzman in Stand and Deliver 1988. He also had notable roles in Young Guns, Longmire, and Prodigal Son.
What is Lou Diamond Phillips's Instagram?

His Instagram handle is @loudphillips. He posts about his projects and personal life.
How tall is Lou Diamond Phillips?

Lou Diamond Phillips stands 5 feet 11 inches tall, which is 1.80 meters. This height is often noted in his film credits.
What does the alias 'Lou Diamond' refer to?

Lou Diamond is a shortened version of his full name. He also used the alias Louis Gem Phips early in his career.
Is Lou Diamond Phillips of Filipino descent?

Yes, his mother Lucita Umayam Araña was Filipino, from Candelaria. He has embraced his Filipino heritage and was dubbed an Honorary Latino by Remezcla.
What was Lou Diamond Phillips's role on Longmire?

He played Henry Standing Bear, a main character, on the television series Longmire from 2012 to 2017. The role was a Native American businessman and friend of the sheriff.
Did Lou Diamond Phillips win a Tony Award?

He was nominated for a Tony Award in 1996 for Best Actor in a Musical for The King and I, but he did not win. However, he received the Theatre World Award for that performance.
What is the GI Spirit Award that Lou Diamond Phillips received?

In May 2011, he accepted the GI Spirit Award from the GI Film Festival for embodying the spirit of an American GI in his creative and philanthropic work. Previous recipients include Jon Voight and Gary Sinise.
Did Lou Diamond Phillips serve in the military?

No, he did not serve in the military. His father named him after a Marine Corps hero, and he later received an award for supporting veterans through his work.
What movies has Lou Diamond Phillips been in?

His notable films include La Bamba 1987, Stand and Deliver 1988, Young Guns 1988, Young Guns II 1990, Courage Under Fire 1996, The Big Hit 1998, Brokedown Palace 1999, Che 2008, and The 33 2015.
Does Lou Diamond Phillips have a band?

Yes, he performs with a band called The Pipefitters with Lou Diamond Phillips. He enjoys playing music.
What is Lou Diamond Phillips's educational background?

He graduated from Flour Bluff High School and later earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Has Lou Diamond Phillips directed any films?

Yes, in addition to acting, he has worked as a director. He directed episodes of television and some independent films, though his primary fame is as an actor.
Who is Lou Diamond Phillips's first wife?

His first wife was Julie Cypher, a production assistant on La Bamba. They married in 1987 and divorced in 1990. She later was in a relationship with Melissa Etheridge.
What is 'The King and I' connection to Lou Diamond Phillips?

He made his Broadway debut in 1996 as King Mongkut in a revival of The King and I. His performance earned him a Tony nomination and a Theatre World Award.
How many episodes of procedural dramas has Lou Diamond Phillips appeared in?

He has guested on at least 14 different police procedural series, including Law & Order: SVU, Criminal Minds, Hawaii Five-0, and Blue Bloods, among others.
Is Lou Diamond Phillips a natural-born actor?

He began acting in theater at Stage West in Fort Worth, Texas, and later studied drama at university. His mentor was actor/director Adam Roarke.
What is Lou Diamond Phillips's most iconic role?

His most iconic role is Ritchie Valens in La Bamba 1987, for which he learned to sing and play guitar. The film brought the 1950s rock star to a new generation.
Did Lou Diamond Phillips endorse a political candidate?

Yes, he endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for her 2024 presidential campaign, showing his support for her policies.
What is the significance of the name 'Lou Diamond'?

His father named him after Marine Gunnery Sergeant Leland Lou Diamond, a highly decorated Marine who served in both world wars and is considered Mr. Leatherneck.
Has Lou Diamond Phillips ever been nominated for a Golden Globe?

Yes, he was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Stand and Deliver 1988. He did not win.
What is Lou Diamond Phillips's relationship with poker?

He is an avid poker player and has hosted poker games at his Los Angeles home for nearly two decades. He also used to date professional poker player Jennifer Tilly.
What was Lou Diamond Phillips's job before acting?

As a teenager, he worked at Whataburger in Corpus Christi, Texas, eventually becoming a shift leader. This job helped support him before his acting career took off.
How many films of Lou Diamond Phillips are in the National Film Registry?

Two: La Bamba 1987 and Stand and Deliver 1988 have both been selected by the Library of Congress for being culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.
Is Lou Diamond Phillips active on social media?

Yes, he is active on Instagram under the handle @loudphillips and also on Twitter as @loudphillips. He shares updates about his projects and personal life.
What is Lou Diamond Phillips's ethnicity?

He is of mixed ethnicity: his father was American of English and Scots-Irish descent, and his mother was Filipino. He identifies with both heritages.
Did Lou Diamond Phillips play a Native American character?

Yes, he played Henry Standing Bear, a Native American character, on the series Longmire. He is not Native American by ancestry but has Native Hawaiian and other influences.
What was Lou Diamond Phillips's role in Prodigal Son?

He played New York City Police Lieutenant Gil Arroyo on the FOX series Prodigal Son from 2019 to 2021. The character was a detective working with the main character.
How did Lou Diamond Phillips meet his wife Yvonne?

He met Yvonne Boismier while shooting a Radio Shack commercial in Vancouver, British Columbia. They married in 2007 and have a daughter.
What is the Theatre World Award?

The Theatre World Award is given to actors for outstanding Broadway or Off-Broadway debut performances. Phillips received it in 1996 for The King and I.
Did Lou Diamond Phillips attend the same college as any other celebrities?

Yes, he attended the University of Texas at Arlington, the same school as actor Ray Corasani, Jonny Cruz, and Kim Matula.
What is a surprising fact about Lou Diamond Phillips's audition for La Bamba?

He auditioned for La Bamba and, after passing the audition, learned to sing and play guitar and gained 15 pounds to achieve a chubbier face to resemble Ritchie Valens.
Who is Lou Diamond Phillips's good friend?

He is good friends with Kiefer Sutherland, Bill Allen, Miguel Ferrer, and the late Brandon Lee. They have worked together on various projects.
Has Lou Diamond Phillips ever won an Independent Spirit Award?

Yes, he won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male for his role in Stand and Deliver 1988. The Independent Spirit Awards honor independent films.
What is Lou Diamond Phillips's stance on the Filipino community?

He is proud of his Filipino heritage and has been embraced by the community. He was dubbed an Honorary Latino by Remezcla, though he is not Latino.
Did Lou Diamond Phillips have any other job besides acting?

In addition to his Whataburger job, he worked as a stage actor and managed the Film Actors Lab with his mentor Adam Roarke before his film breakthrough.
What is the GI Film Festival?

The GI Film Festival is an event that honors military service through film. In 2011, the festival awarded Phillips the GI Spirit Award for his support of veterans.
Is Lou Diamond Phillips a writer?

Yes, he is credited as a writer on some projects. He has written and directed, though acting remains his primary profession.
What is the birth order of Lou Diamond Phillips's children?

He first had twin daughters Gracie and Isabella in 1997, then Lili Jordan in 1999, and later Indigo Sanara in 2007. All four are girls.

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If something's wrong in a profile, Daniel will find it. With 7 years of research experience, he's developed an almost unreasonable eye for inaccurate career timelines, misattributed credits, and dates that don't quite add up. He doesn't publish anything he can't verify. The profiles on Famousy are as accurate as they are largely because of work you'll never see his name on.

Published on October 16, 2026

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