Lou Diamond Phillips Net Worth

Lou Diamond Phillips’ Net Worth: A Comprehensive Look at His Career and Wealth

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Lou Diamond Phillips, a celebrated American actor and director, boasts a net worth of $6 million. His journey to success is marked by a diverse range of roles across film and television. Born as Lou Diamond Upchurch in 1962 at the Subic Bay Naval Station in the Philippines, Phillips’s early life was shaped by his military family. His father, Gerald, was a Marine, while his mother, Lucita, hailed from the Philippines. Following his father’s passing in 1963, he adopted his stepfather’s surname. The family eventually settled in Texas, where Phillips attended Flour Bluff High School in Corpus Christi. He pursued his passion for drama at the University of Texas at Arlington, earning a BFA in the field. Phillips’s acting debut came in 1984 with minor roles in the television movie “Time Bomb” and the science-fiction film “Interface.” His career trajectory quickly gained momentum, leading to more substantial roles.

Film Breakthroughs: La Bamba and Beyond

Phillips’s breakthrough came in 1987 with the biographical drama “La Bamba,” where he portrayed the iconic Chicano rock star Ritchie Valens. This role catapulted him to prominence and showcased his acting prowess. The success of “La Bamba” paved the way for further opportunities, including a role in the 1988 high school drama “Stand and Deliver,” alongside Edward James Olmos. For his performance as Angel Guzman, Phillips received critical acclaim, winning the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male and earning a Golden Globe nomination. 1988 proved to be a pivotal year, as Phillips also starred in “Dakota” and “Young Guns,” solidifying his presence in the industry. His portrayal of the Old West outlaw Jose Chavez y Chavez in “Young Guns” became one of his most memorable roles. Phillips closed out the decade with roles in the heist comedy “Disorganized Crime” and the action crime film “Renegades.”

Further Film Career: Exploring Diverse Roles

The 1990s saw Phillips continuing his prolific film career, reprising his role as Jose Chavez y Chavez in “Young Guns II.” His filmography expanded to include a variety of genres, from thrillers like “A Show of Force” and horror films such as “The First Power” and “Demon Wind” to the mystery “The Dark Wind.” He also ventured into writing and directing with the thriller “Ambition.” His versatility shone through in adventure films like “Shadow of the Wolf,” where he starred alongside Toshiro Mifune, Jennifer Tilly, and Donald Sutherland. Phillips also appeared in action thrillers such as “Extreme Justice.” In 1994, he made his directorial debut with “Dangerous Touch,” which he also starred in, and directed and starred in “Sioux City.” Throughout the remainder of the decade, he added “Teresa’s Tattoo,” “Boulevard,” “Courage Under Fire,” “The Big Hit,” “Brokedown Palace,” and “Bats” to his impressive resume.

Television Career: From Guest Spots to Series Regular

Phillips’s television career flourished alongside his film work. He made guest appearances in popular shows like “Tales from the Crypt,” “Spin City,” “The Outer Limits,” and “Adventures from the Book of Virtues.” He also starred in television movies such as “The Wharf Rat,” “Undertow,” and “In a Class of His Own.” From 2001 to 2002, he took on a recurring role in the supernatural drama series “Wolf Lake.” In 2002, he played secret government agent Mark DeSalvo on the first season of “24.” Further supporting roles followed on the sitcom “George Lopez,” portraying Lopez’s half-brother, and on the crime drama “Numb3rs,” where he played FBI agent Ian Edgerton. Phillips’s television work continued with roles in TV movies like “Red Water,” “The Trail to Hope Rose,” “Gone, But Not Forgotten,” “Murder at the Presidio,” and “Alien Express.” In 2005, he starred in the science-fiction miniseries “The Triangle.”

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Further television credits include appearances on “Psych,” “The Beast,” “Chuck,” “Cougar Town,” and “Happily Divorced,” as well as the TV movie “Metal Tornado.” From 2009 to 2011, he had a recurring role as Colonel Telford on “Stargate Universe.” In 2012, he began starring in the Western series “Longmire,” portraying the Native American best friend of the title character. His recent television work includes roles in “Blindspot,” the television movie “The Night Stalker,” the animated series “Elena of Avalor,” the sitcom “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “NCIS: New Orleans,” “Goliath,” “Blue Bloods,” and “Prodigal Son,” where he played the main role of NYPD lieutenant Gil Arroyo.

Personal Life: Relationships and Family

Phillips’s personal life has also been a subject of interest. He met assistant director Julie Cypher on the set of “Trespasses” and they married in 1987. After their divorce in 1990, Cypher came out as a lesbian and began a long-term relationship with singer Melissa Etheridge. Through artificial insemination, Julie and Melissa had two children, with David Crosby serving as the biological father. Phillips was briefly engaged to Jennifer Tilly. In 1994, he married Kelly Phillips, and they had three daughters: twins Grace and Isabella, and Lili. The couple divorced in 2007. During their separation, Phillips dated makeup artist Yvonne Boismier, and they married in 2007 and had a son, Indigo.

Net Worth and Legacy

Lou Diamond Phillips’s net worth reflects his successful and enduring career in the entertainment industry. With a career spanning several decades, he has consistently delivered memorable performances in diverse roles. His ability to navigate both film and television, coupled with his directorial endeavors, showcases his versatility and dedication to his craft. Phillips’s legacy is one of a talented and respected actor who continues to captivate audiences with his performances.