How Lou Diamond Phillips Achieved A Net Worth of $6 Million

Lou Diamond Phillips is an American actor best known for his role as Ritchie Valens in the film "La Bamba." His career spans decades, and he's been busy in the film and entertainment industry since he appeared in the hit movie. Lou Diamond Phillips has a reported net worth of $6 million. We were curious about how he became a multi-millionaire in an industry that can be fickle. Our look into his personal and professional life revealed fascinating facts. A peek into his past uncovered are a few things his fans may not know about him.

His early life

Net Worth Lists confirm that he was born at the Subic Bay Naval Station, Philippines February 17, 1962. His parents named him Louis diamond Upchurch. The actor assumed the name Lou Diamond Philips after his biological father died, and his stepfather adopted him and became his custodial parent. Lou is 58 years old as of 2022. Lou attended the local high school where he grew up in Texas. He graduated from High School and had the opportunity to go to Yale University. He chose to attend the University of Texas at Arlington because it was closer to his home. Lou earned his bachelor's degree in Fine Arts in drama, participating in the local comedy troupe and drama club productions. He longed for something bigger and began his career taking whatever roles were open.

His big break

Lou's big break came when he was chosen to play the part of teen rock n roll idol, Ritchie Valens, in the film "La Bamba." It catapulted him to fame and the fortune that accompanies a major film success. Casting directors noted the talent of the young emerging star and it opened up more work in the acting business. It was the breakthrough he needed to launch his budding career as an actor. He also appeared in the hit "Stand and Deliver," for which he earned a best supporting actor Golden Globe Award nomination. He went on to appear in "The King and I," for which he received a Tony Award nomination. Other notable films he appeared in are "Courage Under Fire," "Love Takes Wing," "Young Guns," "Young Guns II," and "Che." Lou was also the recipient of a Spirit Award.

Career ups and downs

Lou came out in the entertainment business as a big star after his part in "LaBamba," but there were ups and downs in his career. He went into a slight decline during the first part of the 1990s with films that didn't quite achieve the same level of success including "Sioux City," in 1994, "Harley," in 1991, and "Shadow of the Wolf," in 1992. They weren't box office hits as the others. He was on the upswing when he played a supporting role with Denzel Washington and Meg Ryan in the 1996 movie "Courage Under Fire." In 2012, he appeared with Kiefer Sutherland in a few episodes of the television action drama series "24." He also appeared in the series "Longmire."

Branching out his career

Lou Diamond Phillips has had highs and lows as an actor, but it's not been his only career focus. He is a diversified professional who has many irons in the fire in the entertainment world. Favebites reports that Phillips played the part of a serial murderer in the ABC television show "Night Stalker," in a guest appearance. He's a versatile actor who has appeared in dramas, biographies, and comedy roles. He also appeared in four episodes of a radio show. Lou is also a talented screenwriter. He co-wrote the screenplays for "Dangerous Touch," and "Trespasses," airing on HBO. He wrote the screenplay for the Miramax film "Ambition." Nu Order Tech reports that Lou most recently appeared in "Prodigal Son" in a recurring role until 1921. Lou is also a director. He directed an episode of "Fear the Walking Dead," He is also an author who wrote the novel "Tinderbox: Soldier of Indira." In addition to all of these things, Lou Diamond Phillips is also a poker player. He's been doing it since his college days and he earns additional income from the wins. He played in the State Poker Championship in May of 2009 and finished number 31. He also earned $10 from winnings at the no Limit Mian tournament. He finished the day's long championship in the 186th position earning $36,000.

How did Lou Diamond Phillips amass a fortune of $6 million?

Lou has been wise with his earnings. The bulk of his fortune comes from his work as an actor in film and television. He is an activist who serves on the CAPE advisory council. He invested in several real estate holdings and owns several properties. He also has a collection of vehicles in his garage, contributing to his asset base. It's estimated that he brings in a few million dollars per year, keeping his active lifestyle going and paying the taxes so his fortune remains at a minimum of $6 million. Lou has been in the entertainment business for approximately forty years. He still makes appearances in television series movies, shows, and other projects. He's still active in the business and has not mentioned any plans to retire.

Final thoughts

Lou Diamond Phillips is a talented multi-faceted professional in the entertainment industry. He's enjoyed his share of successes along the way and earned a high level of respect among his peers. He's a celebrated actor, television director, film director, songwriter, screenwriter, and author. Lou is a professional poker player who remains active in his community and supports local charities. He still accepts invitations to appear in cameo roles now and then, and he has as much work as he wants. Lou Diamond Phillips made his fortune in the entertainment business. Mr. Phillips enjoys the freedom to pick and choose the projects he wants. He made it to the top and is living the life of a movie star who proved his value in multiple facets of the industry.