Lou Diamond Phillips is a multifaceted American actor, director, and writer renowned for his contributions to film, television, and theater. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Ritchie Valens in the iconic biopic La Bamba, which marked his entry into the spotlight. Phillips further solidified his status in Hollywood through memorable performances in films such as Young Guns I and II, where he played Jose Chavez y Chavez, and Stand and Deliver, earning a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Angel Guzman. His filmography also includes notable appearances in Renegades, Sioux City—where he served as both actor and director—Courage Under Fire, Brokedown Palace, and Hollywood Homicide.
On television, Phillips is best known for his compelling roles, including Lt. Gil Arroyo in Prodigal Son, Henry Standing Bear in Longmire, and Col. David Telford in Stargate Universe. He has lent his voice to characters in animated series such as Chief Bill Bayani in Firebuds and Victor Delgado in Elena of Avalor.
Throughout his career, Phillips has made guest appearances and recurring roles in a variety of shows, including Trese, Blindspot, and Blue Bloods. His stage work earned him a Tony Award nomination for his performance in The King and I. Additionally, he showcased his competitive spirit by finishing 186th in the 2009 World Series of Poker "No Limit Texas Hold 'em" main event, further diversifying his impressive portfolio.
