Lou Diamond Phillips, born on February 17, 1962, is an American actor and director with an extensive career in the film, television, and theater industries. Born in Subic Bay Naval Station in the Philippines, Phillips grew up in Texas and started his acting journey at the University of Texas at Arlington. His big break came in 1987 when he starred as Ritchie Valens in La Bamba, a biographical film about the music sensation. The film was a commercial success and Phillips's performance was widely praised, setting the stage for a long and fruitful career. Phillips' diverse body of work spans multiple decades and genres. He has shown remarkable versatility, taking on a range of roles from King Mongkut in The King and I on Broadway, to a gritty police officer in the crime drama series Longmire. For his portrayal of Mongkut, Phillips received a Tony nomination, further cementing his reputation as a talented and multifaceted actor. He also directed and starred in the film Dangerous Touch and has provided voice-over work for several animated series including Elena of Avalor. Aside from his professional achievements, Phillips is also known for his philanthropy. He has been involved in numerous charitable causes throughout his life, most notably the Los Angeles-based theater group East West Players, where he served as a board member. Phillips has also shown a consistent commitment to advocacy work for Native American rights. In recognition of his contributions, he received the Oxfam America award for his dedication to ending world hunger.