Lou Diamond Phillips biography – Explore the La Bamba star’s age, wife Yvonne Boismier, four daughters, iconic movies, $6 million net worth, and remarkable Hollywood career journey.
Who is Lou Diamond Phillips?
Lou Diamond Phillips is a Filipino-American actor, director, and writer who has captivated audiences for nearly four decades with his powerful performances across film, television, and theatre. Born Louis Diamond Upchurch on February 17, 1962, at the U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay in the Philippines, he rose to international fame with his breakthrough role as Ritchie Valens in the 1987 biographical drama “La Bamba.”
At 63 years old in 2025, Phillips continues to thrive in Hollywood, having built an impressive resume that includes over 100 film and television credits. His unique multicultural heritage—Filipino, Scots-Irish, and Cherokee—has enabled him to portray diverse characters across various genres, from westerns to crime dramas to Broadway musicals.
Beyond acting, Phillips has ventured into directing, writing, and even competitive poker playing. His portrayal of Henry Standing Bear in the popular Western series “Longmire” (2012-2017) introduced him to a new generation of fans, whilst his earlier work in films like “Stand and Deliver” (1988) and “Young Guns” (1988) cemented his status as a Hollywood icon.
Quick Facts About Lou Diamond Phillips
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Louis Diamond Upchurch |
| Stage Name | Lou Diamond Phillips |
| Date of Birth | February 17, 1962 |
| Age (2025) | 63 years old |
| Place of Birth | Subic Bay Naval Station, Philippines |
| Nationality | Filipino-American |
| Ethnicity | Filipino, Scots-Irish, Cherokee |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches (1.83 m) |
| Weight | 165 pounds (75 kg) |
| Current Wife | Yvonne Boismier Phillips (married 2007) |
| Previous Wives | Julie Cypher (1987-1990), Kelly Preston (1994-2007) |
| Children | Four daughters (Grace, Isabella, Lili, Indigo) |
| Famous Role | Ritchie Valens in “La Bamba” |
| Net Worth (2025) | $6 million |
| Education | University of Texas at Arlington (BFA in Drama) |
Early Life and Multicultural Heritage
Lou Diamond Phillips was born to an extraordinarily diverse family background on February 17, 1962. His father, Gerald Amon Upchurch, served as a Marine KC-130 crew chief and was of Scots-Irish and Cherokee descent. His mother, Lucita Umayam Aranas, hailed from Candelaria, Zambales, in the Philippines, bringing Filipino heritage to the family lineage.
Tragedy struck early when Phillips’ father died in 1963, just one year after his birth. His mother subsequently remarried, and young Lou adopted his stepfather’s surname, Phillips, leaving behind his birth name Upchurch. Interestingly, he was named after legendary U.S. Marine Gunnery Sergeant Leland “Lou” Diamond, who enlisted at age 27 in 1917 and saw action in both World Wars.
Following his father’s death, the family relocated to Texas, where Phillips spent most of his formative years. Growing up in the Lone Star State, he attended several schools before graduating from Flour Bluff High School in Corpus Christi in 1980. His multicultural background—encompassing Filipino, Scottish-Irish, Hawaiian, and Cherokee blood—gave him an exotic appearance that would later become both an asset and a limitation in Hollywood casting.
Despite receiving scholarships to prestigious institutions like the U.S. Naval Academy and Yale University, Phillips made the unconventional decision to attend the University of Texas at Arlington. He wanted to remain close to his high school friends whilst pursuing his passion for drama. This choice proved pivotal, as it was during his university years that he developed a deep passion for acting through participation in drama club productions and local theatre work.
Career Breakthrough with “La Bamba”
Lou Diamond Phillips’ big break came in 1987 when he was cast as Ritchie Valens in the biographical film “La Bamba.” The role required him to portray the doomed teenage rock and roll star who tragically died in a plane crash alongside Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper in 1959. Phillips’ electric, heartfelt performance captivated audiences worldwide and demonstrated his ability to embody complex characters with emotional depth.
Prior to this cinematic breakthrough, Phillips had appeared in the “Miami Vice” episode “Red Tape” on March 13, 1987, portraying detective Bobby Diaz. He also starred in the music video for “La Bamba” performed by rock band Los Lobos, which accompanied the film’s release.
The success of “La Bamba” catapulted Phillips to stardom, opening doors to countless opportunities in Hollywood. The film became a cultural phenomenon, grossing over $54 million at the box office and introducing mainstream audiences to the story of Latino rock pioneer Ritchie Valens. Phillips’ portrayal earned him widespread critical acclaim and established him as one of the most promising young actors of his generation.
Major Film and Television Success
1980s Golden Era
Following “La Bamba,” Phillips delivered another powerful performance in “Stand and Deliver” (1988), playing a troubled gang member transformed by an inspirational math teacher. This role earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor and an Independent Spirit Award, cementing his reputation as a serious dramatic actor capable of tackling socially important stories.
In 1988, he starred alongside Emilio Estevez, Kiefer Sutherland, and Charlie Sheen in the Western “Young Guns,” playing Jose Chavez y Chavez. The film’s success led to a 1990 sequel, “Young Guns II,” in which Phillips reprised his role. These films showcased his versatility and ability to excel in the Western genre.
1990s Career Evolution
The 1990s brought varied roles for Phillips, including “The First Power” (1990), “Shadow of the Wolf” (1992) with Jennifer Tilly and Donald Sutherland, and “Courage Under Fire” (1996) alongside Denzel Washington and Meg Ryan. In 1996, he made his Broadway debut in a revival of “The King and I,” earning a Tony Award nomination for his portrayal of King Mongkut of Siam—a testament to his theatrical talents.
Other notable 1990s films included “The Big Hit” (1998) and “Brokedown Palace” (1999). He also made his directorial debut with “Dangerous Touch” (1993) and directed “Sioux City” (1994), both of which he also starred in.
2000s-Present: Television Dominance
Phillips found tremendous success on television in the 2000s and beyond. He played secret government agent Mark DeSalvo in the first season of “24” (2001-2002) opposite former “Young Guns” co-star Kiefer Sutherland. He had a recurring role as FBI agent Ian Edgerton in “Numbers” and appeared in “Stargate Universe” (2009-2011) as Colonel Telford.
His most beloved television role came as Henry Standing Bear in “Longmire” (2012-2017), a Western crime drama that garnered a devoted fanbase. More recently, he played NYPD Lieutenant Gil Arroyo in “Prodigal Son” (2019-2021) and has made appearances in “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “NCIS: New Orleans,” and various other series.
Marriage and Family Life
First Marriage: Julie Cypher
Lou Diamond Phillips met assistant director Julie Cypher on the set of “Trespasses” in 1986. They married on September 17, 1987, but their marriage ended in divorce on August 5, 1990. Following their split, Cypher came out as lesbian and began a long-term relationship with singer Melissa Etheridge, making headlines in the entertainment world.
Engagement to Jennifer Tilly
After his divorce from Cypher, Phillips met actress Jennifer Tilly on the set of “Shadow of the Wolf” (1992). The couple became engaged but never married, ending their relationship in 1994.
Second Marriage: Kelly Preston
In 1994, Phillips married Kelly Preston—not to be confused with the famous actress of the same name who was married to John Travolta. Kelly was a former Penthouse model and makeup artist. Their marriage produced three daughters: twins Grace Moorea and Isabella Patricia (born October 1997), and Lili Jordan (born September 1999).
Despite having three children together, Phillips and Kelly separated in 2003. Their divorce proceedings were lengthy, finally being finalized in July 2007. The couple agreed to share custody of their daughters.
Third Marriage: Yvonne Boismier
Phillips began dating makeup artist and artist Yvonne Boismier in 2004, whilst still legally married to Kelly. Following his divorce finalization, Lou married Yvonne on August 1, 2007. The couple welcomed their daughter, Indigo Sanara Phillips, in October 2007.
Yvonne illustrated Phillips’ debut novel, “Tinderbox: Soldier of Indira,” which was published by Aethon Books in 2019. The science fiction novel represents a retelling of the Hans Christian Andersen story of the same name. As of 2025, Lou and Yvonne remain happily married, having built a strong partnership both personally and professionally.
Lou Diamond Phillips’ Four Daughters
Phillips is a devoted father to four daughters from his second and third marriages. Grace and Isabella, the twins born in 1997, are now 28 years old. Their younger sister Lili, born in 1999, is 26 years old. The youngest, Indigo, born in 2007, is 18 years old in 2025.
The actor maintains close relationships with all four daughters despite his demanding career. He has spoken publicly about the joy his children bring him and the importance of family in his life. His daughters occasionally appear on his social media accounts, though he generally keeps their lives private to protect them from excessive public scrutiny.
Net Worth and Financial Success
As of 2025, Lou Diamond Phillips’ net worth is estimated at $6 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his extensive career in film, television, theatre, directing, and writing. His primary income sources include:
Acting Roles: Phillips commands substantial fees for both film and television appearances, with salaries ranging from mid-six figures to low seven figures depending on the project.
Directing Work: He has directed episodes of “Longmire,” “The Night Shift,” and other television series, adding to his income stream.
Theatre Performances: His work on Broadway and other theatrical productions contributes to his overall earnings.
Residuals: Ongoing royalties from his extensive filmography, particularly from cult classics like “La Bamba” and “Young Guns.”
Poker Winnings: Phillips is an accomplished poker player. In May 2009, he placed 31st out of 403 entrants in the California State Poker Championship Limit Texas Hold’em. He cashed in the $10,000 World Series of Poker main event in July 2009, earning approximately $36,626 from poker tournaments.
Real Estate Investments: Phillips owns properties in Los Angeles, California, and Albuquerque, New Mexico (where “Longmire” was filmed).
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his illustrious career, Phillips has received numerous accolades:
- Independent Spirit Award (1989) for Best Supporting Male in “Stand and Deliver”
- Golden Globe Nomination (1989) for Best Supporting Actor in “Stand and Deliver”
- Tony Award Nomination (1996) for Best Actor in a Musical for “The King and I”
- ALMA Awards for outstanding Latino performances
- Reality TV Victory: Won Season 2 of NBC’s “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!” in 2009
Legal Troubles and Controversies
Phillips has faced some personal challenges that became public. On August 11, 2006, he was arrested for disturbing the peace at his Los Angeles home following loud noises. In December 2006, he pleaded no contest to domestic battery and received three years of probation.
On November 3, 2017, Phillips was arrested in Portland, Texas, for DWI after stopping his vehicle to ask a police officer for directions. He was charged with reckless driving and released after posting bail. Following a plea deal in April 2018, he was sentenced to two years of probation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lou Diamond Phillips
How old is Lou Diamond Phillips?
Lou Diamond Phillips is 63 years old as of 2025, having been born on February 17, 1962, at the Subic Bay Naval Station in the Philippines.
Who is Lou Diamond Phillips married to now?
He is currently married to Yvonne Boismier Phillips, a makeup artist and artist. They have been married since August 1, 2007, and have one daughter together named Indigo Sanara.
How many children does Lou Diamond Phillips have?
Lou Diamond Phillips has four daughters: twins Grace Moorea and Isabella Patricia (born 1997) and Lili Jordan (born 1999) from his marriage to Kelly Preston, plus Indigo Sanara (born 2007) with his current wife Yvonne Boismier.
What is Lou Diamond Phillips’ most famous movie?
His most iconic role is Ritchie Valens in the 1987 biographical film “La Bamba,” which launched his career to stardom and remains his most recognized performance.
What is Lou Diamond Phillips’ net worth in 2025?
Lou Diamond Phillips’ net worth is estimated at $6 million in 2025, earned through his extensive work in film, television, theatre, directing, and competitive poker playing.
What is Lou Diamond Phillips’ ethnic background?
Phillips has a diverse ethnic background including Filipino (from his mother), Scots-Irish, and Cherokee descent (from his father), giving him his distinctive appearance that has allowed him to play various ethnicities throughout his career.