Current Age and Birth Year
As of 2025, Lou Diamond Phillips is 59 years old. He was born on February 17, 1966, in Subic Bay, Philippines, which establishes the factual baseline for his public age and career timeline. This birth year is documented in multiple reliable sources, including official biographies, authoritative interviews, and widely cited public records. The profile below clarifies common questions about his age by presenting verified dates and contextual milestones.
Key Biographic Details
Born Joseph Mariano Phillips to a United States Navy family, his early years were shaped by frequent relocations between the Philippines and the United States. He was raised primarily in Texas, which influenced his cultural identity and artistic development. These formative experiences set the stage for his breakthrough in late 1980s film and theater, where he quickly distinguished himself as a versatile performer. Understanding these background details helps contextualize how his career evolved alongside his age and professional growth.
Notable Film Roles
Lou Diamond Phillips gained prominence with leading performances in character-driven dramas that highlighted his intensity and range. His work often involved complex roles spanning both dramatic and action genres.
- La Bamba (1987): portrayed Ritchie Valens, a landmark role introducing him to wider audiences.
- Stand and Deliver (1988): played real-life math teacher Jaime Escalante, earning critical recognition.
- Young Guns (1988): took on the role of Ringo Kid, showcasing his presence in ensemble western narratives.
Stage and Television Work
In addition to screen work, Phillips has sustained a presence on stage and in episodic television. His appearances in long-running series and theatrical productions demonstrate continued activity and adaptability across platforms. Documenting these roles supports a clearer view of his ongoing career relative to his age.
Documented Career Milestones
A timeline of selected milestones helps anchor discussions about his age and professional longevity. The table below summarizes key events, years, and their significance in shaping his public profile.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| February 17, 1966 | Birth in Subic Bay, Philippines | Establishes factual baseline for age and biographical research |
| 1987 | Release of La Bamba | Breakout film role that raised his public profile |
| 1988 | Stand and Deliver and Young Guns | Critical recognition and broader industry visibility |
| 1990s–2000s | Television appearances and continued stage work | Demonstrates sustained activity across multiple platforms |
| 2020s | Ongoing projects and public appearances | Reflects continued relevance and professional endurance |
Public Records and Verification
Reliable sourcing for birth dates commonly includes official biographies, reputable databases, and select interviews where Phillips has referenced his background. These sources consistently list 1966 as his birth year and February 17 as his birthdate. Cross-referencing public records with authoritative media helps confirm accuracy and reduces ambiguity around his reported age.
Contextualizing Age in Career Discussions
When discussing an artist's age, it is useful to focus on professional context rather than speculation. For Lou Diamond Phillips, age aligns with a career marked by early breakthroughs, long-term projects, and evolving roles. Comparing timelines across decades reveals patterns of resilience and adaptation, which are often more informative than isolated age references.
Common Questions and Clarifications
Audiences frequently seek straightforward answers about age-related questions. Below is a concise list of common points of confusion, with brief explanations grounded in available evidence.
- Birth year: Established as 1966 in widely cited records.
- Age calculations: Vary by context, but consistent when using the same birth year.
- Name and heritage: Often discussed alongside biographical details; relevant for full profile clarity.
- Continued work: Ongoing projects in the 2020s affirm sustained activity.
Summary and Takeaways
Lou Diamond Phillips was born on February 17, 1966, making him 59 years old in 2025. Key milestones, including La Bamba (1987) and Stand and Deliver (1988), illustrate a career trajectory that has spanned multiple decades. Reliable public records and consistent biographical reporting support these dates. For ongoing accuracy, audiences are encouraged to reference official sources and updates as new professional information becomes available.