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Part 4: Lou Diamond Phillips on Only Making $6,000 for "La Bamba"
Part 2: Lou Diamond Phillips on Wife Leaving Him for Lesbian Relationship with Melissa Etheridge
Part 1: Lou Diamond Phillips on Many Military Kids Being Mixed, First Racist Encounter in College
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Lou Diamond Phillips recently reflected on his iconic role as Ritchie Valens in "La Bamba" and its enduring legacy. During a 4K screening at the Academy Museum with Valens' family in attendance, Phillips marveled at how the film continues to resonate. He discussed its story of a farm worker chasing the American dream, still pertinent to marginalized communities today. As a Filipino American, Phillips faced questions about playing a Mexican character. However, he emphasized that director Luis Valdez sought the right qualities beyond ethnic match, showcasing diversity and talent. Valdez saw Phillips as a future face of multicultural representation, partly due to the film's endorsement by Valens' family. Phillips further noted his commitment to representing marginalized communities respectfully and authentically, highlighted by his involvement with civil rights icons like Cesar Chavez.
