Lou Diamond
Phillips
Husband
Dad
Actor
Writer
Director
Foodie
Actor · Writer · Director
Writer
Director
01
A career built on
character.
For nearly four decades, Lou Diamond Phillips has moved
effortlessly between film, television and theatre, bringing
intelligence, intensity and humanity to every performance.
His breakthrough portrayal of Ritchie Valens in
La Bamba introduced him to audiences around the
world. Acclaimed roles in Stand and Deliver,
Young Guns and The King and I followed,
beginning a body of work that continues to evolve across drama,
comedy, voice performance, writing and directing.
Selected career highlights
Career
highlights.
From a career-defining breakthrough to acclaimed work across film,
television and Broadway, these performances reflect the remarkable
range of Lou Diamond Phillips.
01
Film · 1987
Ritchie Valens
La Bamba
The breakthrough performance that introduced Lou Diamond Phillips
to audiences around the world.
Explore the role
02
Film · 1988
Angel Guzman
Stand and Deliver
An acclaimed dramatic performance recognised with an Independent
Spirit Award and Golden Globe nomination.
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03
Film · 1988
José Chávez y Chávez
Young Guns
One of Lou’s most recognisable performances in the enduring
ensemble Western.
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04
Broadway · 1996
The King of Siam
The King and I
A celebrated Broadway performance that earned Lou a Tony Award
nomination.
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05
Television · 2009–2011
Colonel David Telford
Stargate Universe
A memorable science-fiction role as the complex and commanding
Colonel David Telford.
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06
Television · 2012–2017
Henry Standing Bear
Longmire
A defining television role across six seasons of the acclaimed
contemporary Western drama.
Explore the role
Present day
The story
continues.
New performances, conversations and appearances from a career
that continues to evolve.
Latest release
Film · 2026
Actor · Executive Producer
Gangland
Lou stars as Teddy Sharpe, a veteran tribal police officer
confronting violence, loyalty and buried tensions within a
rural Indigenous community.
Discover the film
![Lou Diamond Phillips in Count on My Lies](https://www.loudiamondphillips.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/count-on-my-lies1.jpg")
In production
Television · 2026
Paul
Count on My Lies
Explore the production
In conversation
July 2026
Interview
The Rich Eisen Show
Lou discusses the crime drama, his executive-producer role
and the responsibility of telling the story authentically.
Watch the interview
Interviews, photography & stories
From the archive.
Rediscovered interviews, photographs and features from across Lou’s
career, bringing memorable moments from the past back into view.
Video
Archive interview
24 April 1992
Identity, heritage and using his voice
Lou discusses the story behind his name, his heritage and the
causes that mattered to him.
Watch the interview
Gallery
Photo archive
1990s
1990s publicity photography
Publicity portraits, promotional photography and studio images
from one of the most recognisable decades of Lou’s career.
Explore the gallery
Article
From the press
7 July 1993
A Diamond is their ace in the hole
Away from the film set, Lou talks about singing, songwriting and
performing live with The Pipefitters.
Read the original feature
Video
Video interview
1998
Behind The Big Hit
Lou reflects on playing Cisco, the film’s offbeat combination
of action and comedy, and working with its memorable ensemble.
Watch the interview
Lou’s official social media
Latest from Lou.
Follow Lou Diamond Phillips on X for personal updates, photographs,
career news and conversations shared directly by Lou.
Lou Diamond Phillips
@LouDPhillips
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