Lou Diamond Phillips Age: A Look At The Actor's Enduring Career
Many people often wonder about the ages of their favorite actors, and it's quite natural, you know, to be curious about how time has treated someone who has graced our screens for decades. Lou Diamond Phillips, a name that certainly brings to mind a rich history of memorable roles, is one such performer whose journey through the years captures a lot of interest. We often hear folks asking, "How old is Lou Diamond Phillips?" and that question, in a way, opens up a conversation about his remarkable career and the many characters he has brought to life.
His presence in Hollywood has been a steady one, with various performances that truly stand out, from biographical dramas to action-packed thrillers. Discovering more about his birth year and how that fits into his long list of achievements really helps us appreciate the path he's walked. It's interesting, too, to see how his age connects with the different phases of his acting life, and the kinds of parts he has taken on.
So, if you're keen to find out more about Lou Diamond Phillips's age and some fascinating details about his life and work, you've come to the right place. We'll explore his early beginnings, some of his most famous roles, and just how old he is today, according to the information we have. It's a pretty compelling story, actually, of a talented individual.
Table of Contents
- Lou Diamond Phillips: Biography and Early Life
- The Breakthrough: La Bamba and Beyond
- A Diverse Career: On Screen and Stage
- The Meaning Behind the Name
- Lou Diamond Phillips Today
- Physical Attributes
- "Lou" The Movie: A Point of Clarification
- Frequently Asked Questions About Lou Diamond Phillips
Lou Diamond Phillips: Biography and Early Life
Lou Diamond Phillips, whose birth name was actually Lou Diamond Upchurch, entered the world on February 17, 1962. He was born, you know, in a place called Subic Bay Naval Base, which is in Olongapo City, Zambales, Philippines. His mother, Lucita Aranas, was of Filipino descent, and his father, Gerald Upchurch, was an American naval officer with Scottish heritage. This background, in a way, gives him a really interesting cultural mix.
That early start, being born on a naval station, is quite a unique detail about his life. It set the stage, perhaps, for a career that would take him to many different places and roles. His upbringing, it seems, gave him a very grounded perspective, which might be why he connects so well with audiences in his performances.
Personal Details at a Glance
| Full Name | Louis Diamond Phillips (né Upchurch) |
| Born | February 17, 1962 |
| Birthplace | Subic Bay Naval Base, Olongapo City, Zambales, Philippines |
| Current Age (as referenced in text) | 63 years old (also referenced as 61 and 58 years old in various parts of the provided text) |
| Occupation | Actor, Director, Writer |
| Birth Sign | Aquarius |
The Breakthrough: La Bamba and Beyond
His real moment in the spotlight, the one that truly made him a widely recognized name, arrived when he took on the role of Ritchie Valens. This was in the biographical drama film La Bamba, which came out in 1987. That movie, you know, was a huge success and really showed off his acting chops to the world. It was a very powerful performance, and it resonated with so many viewers.
Playing Ritchie Valens, a beloved musical icon, was a challenging task, but he absolutely nailed it. The film, actually, helped cement his place as a rising star in Hollywood. After that, his career took off, and he started appearing in many other projects, solidifying his reputation as a versatile actor. It was a defining role, you could say, for his early career.
A Diverse Career: On Screen and Stage
Beyond La Bamba, Lou Diamond Phillips has, in a way, enjoyed a truly diverse career across film, television, and even theater. He's known for other memorable roles, like in the film Young Guns, which was another significant project for him. His ability to move between different genres and types of characters is, you know, quite impressive.
He's not just a film and television actor, though. His talent extends to the stage as well. As a stage actor, he even received a Tony Award nomination for his performance in The King and I. That nomination, you see, speaks volumes about his range and dedication to his craft, proving he's a performer who can shine in any medium. You can learn more about the Tony Awards and their history on a reputable theater site.
His career, it seems, has been marked by a willingness to take on varied roles, which has kept audiences engaged over the years. From dramatic parts to more action-oriented characters, he always brings a certain intensity and presence to his work. This commitment to different kinds of stories, too, has really made his filmography quite rich.
The Meaning Behind the Name
It's interesting to note, you know, that Lou Diamond Phillips was actually named after a highly decorated US Marine. This marine was Gunnery Sergeant Leland Lou Diamond, of the USMC. He was a truly remarkable figure, who enlisted in the Marines at the age of 27 back in 1917, and he saw action in both World Wars. That's a pretty strong namesake, you might say.
To this day, Leland Lou Diamond is considered one of the finest marines of all time, and he's even known as "Mr. Marine." So, Lou Diamond Phillips carries a name with a lot of history and honor attached to it. His birth name was, as mentioned earlier, Lou Diamond Upchurch, but he adopted the Phillips surname, perhaps, to honor a stepfather or for other personal reasons, though the text doesn't specify. It's a very distinctive name, actually, and now we know why.
Lou Diamond Phillips Today
When we talk about Lou Diamond Phillips's age, it's worth looking at the numbers provided in the information. Some sources indicate he is 63 years old. This figure, you know, appears in a couple of places, including one that links his birthday, February 17, 1962, to him being 63 years old. There's also a mention of him being 61 years old, and another, older reference to him being 58 years old. Given his birthdate, the 63-year mark suggests a more recent update on his age.
He continues to be an active presence in the entertainment world, taking on various projects. His career shows no real signs of slowing down, which is a testament, you know, to his enduring talent and dedication. It's quite something, actually, to maintain such a consistent presence for so many years in a demanding industry. You can learn more about actors and their careers on our site, which might be helpful.
His birthday, February 17, places him under the Aquarius birth sign. This detail, you know, is often of interest to those who follow astrology. Regardless of astrological signs, his career trajectory clearly shows a person with a strong drive and a knack for performing, which is pretty evident in all his work. He really has made a mark.
Physical Attributes
Beyond his age and career, some folks are often curious about Lou Diamond Phillips's physical characteristics. He stands at a height of about 5 feet 10 inches, which is roughly 1.8 meters. There's also a mention of him being 6 feet 1 inch, so there's a slight variation in the figures provided, but generally, he's considered to be a fairly tall individual. That's a pretty good height, you know, for an actor.
As for his weight, it's reported that he weighs around 76 kilograms, which translates to about 167 pounds. These details, you know, give a more complete picture of the person behind the many characters we've seen on screen. It's just a little bit of extra information that some fans might find interesting when they think about his presence.
"Lou" The Movie: A Point of Clarification
It's important to clarify something that sometimes causes a bit of confusion, you know, regarding a recent film titled "Lou." This movie, a 2022 American crime thriller, was directed by Anna Foerster. The plot involves a young girl being kidnapped during a storm, and her mother teams up with a mysterious woman next door to pursue the kidnapper. This journey, actually, tests their limits and reveals shocking secrets from their pasts.
The film "Lou" is set on Orcas Island in Washington state, but it was entirely filmed in British Columbia. The character named Lou in this movie is played by the talented actress Allison Janney, who has starred in films such as The Help, Juno, The Hours, and I, Tonya, for which she won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar. So, just to be clear, this movie "Lou" does not star Lou Diamond Phillips. It's a common point of confusion, you know, because of the name, but the lead is a different actor entirely. It's a pretty intense thriller, though, from what the description says.
Once Lou (Allison Janney) and Hannah get out into the torrential rain, the film, it seems, should have had momentum as a survival thriller. There's even a great action scene in a cabin where the title character, you know, unleashes her training on a couple of dudes who don't see it coming. Lou (Allison Janney), the landlady and loner living with her dog Jax, stops by to say the rent is due the next day, and Hannah wants an extension, but Lou refuses. This movie, therefore, is distinct from the actor Lou Diamond Phillips himself. You can find more details about this film on our film review page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lou Diamond Phillips
People often have a few common questions about Lou Diamond Phillips, especially concerning his age and background. Here are some of the top questions and their answers, based on the information we have.
When was Lou Diamond Phillips born?
Lou Diamond Phillips was born on February 17, 1962. His birthplace, you know, was the Subic Bay Naval Base in Olongapo City, Zambales, Philippines. This makes him an Aquarius, actually, for those who are interested in birth signs.
How old is Lou Diamond Phillips?
According to some of the information available, Lou Diamond Phillips is 63 years old. There are also mentions of him being 61 and 58 years old in various parts of the provided text, but the 63-year figure appears to be the most recent one referenced. His birthday, you know, is in February.
What is Lou Diamond Phillips known for?
Lou Diamond Phillips is widely known for his breakthrough role as Ritchie Valens in the biographical drama film La Bamba, which came out in 1987. He also gained recognition for his part in Young Guns. Beyond films, you know, he's also received a Tony Award nomination for his stage work in The King and I, showing his range across different performance types. He's had a very full career, actually.
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