Lindsay Holmes: Can you tell me a little about your early stage career, before becoming a movie star? 

Lou Diamond Phillips: I first became heavily involved in drama in high school. In Texas, where I grew up, they have an organization called the University Interscholastic League which allows you to compete in Drama (One Act plays, duet scenes, monologues, etc.) I won a number of awards in high school and considered it positive reinforcement for something I loved doing. 

I decided to major in Drama at The University of Texas at Arlington where I was fortunate to perform in many lead roles while taking classes. This led to an invitation to join a Comedy Troupe known as The Zero Hour. We basically wrote and performed raunchy 'Saturday Night Live' type sketches as midnight in punk clubs. (Remember, this was the early eighties.) Again, I was in the right place at the right time, and my fellow actors in the troupe led me to Stage West in Fort Worth.

It is still a very exciting small dinner theatre that actually pays actors to act. The Zero Hour, in toto, got drafted by Stage West to become The Front Room Company, where we produced the classics with a twist in a smaller room off the main stage. I credit my diverse and constant stream of roles during my stage career for the diversity I am able to maintain during my film career.

LH: Starting out did you ever dream that you would be such an accomplished actor with over 40 movies to your credit? 

LDP: When I was training and even supporting myself as an actor in Dallas, Texas, first at the University of Texas at Arlington, then at Stage West in Forth Worth and, finally, at Adam Roarke') Film Actor's Lab, I had big dreams. But you have to understand that for a middle class kid from Corpus Christi, just being in any movie was a big dream so it was a matter of perspective.

So, now, with over forty films under my belt, I've accomplished more than I ever thought I would (simply surviving in this business is a feat) but I still feel there's so much more to do. While I still think I'm the luckiest guy I know, I'm reminded of a conversation I had with Denzel Washington when we were doing 'Courage.' I asked him, (already an Oscar winner and a bankable star in Hollywood) when he felt he had hit his stride. He smiled at me and said- "I haven't hit it yet."

LH: From your long career, La Bamba must be amongst your favourites but what is truly your worst movie, that even you would quite happily never watch again? 

LDP: Although 'La Bamba' is certainly my Cinderella story and ONE of my favorite films, there are other films of mine of which I'm equally proud. 'Stand and Deliver,' 'Young Guns 1 and 2,' 'Courage Under Fire' and 'The Big Hit' are completely different from one another but all hold a special place in my heart for different reasons.

Every film I take, I take because, at least in the beginning, I have hopes that it will be a good movie. (This is all relative since not every genre I've worked in has aspirations to art. Sometimes I only hope to make a good popcorn movie.) Having said that, not every film I've made has turned out like I hoped and some have been more painful than others.

I've always wanted to make a really scary movie and I had enthusiasm for 'Route 666' but the production was such a mess that I soon realized it was a case of' Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here.' However, the cast (One of the reasons I took it in the first place) including Lori Petty and my buddy Dale Midkiff at least made the experience not only bearable but somewhat fun. At a certain point, all you can do is laugh to keep from screaming. Suffice it to say, I have never seen the film nor do I have intention to.

'Ambition' was probably the most painful since I had written the screenplay. To be polite, I will simply say that the final product has little relation to the words I originally put on the page. A situation made worse since, as the lead actor, I was made an accomplice to the mutilation of my baby. Ultimately, it was the hard lesson learned that made me decide to not only try my hand at directing film but to never put something  I cared that much about into the hands of another, as much as that is possible in a collaborative art form such as film.

LH: Have you ever been disappointed by how well one of your films has done, do you sometimes think that they have deserved better? 

LDP: There was a time when I thought that all you had to do was to make a good movie and people would respond to it. I have since discovered that there are numerous variables that are beyond your control; marketing, timing, the public whim and certainly, what the producers wish and are capable of delivering. Many producers on smaller budgeted films simply want to get their money back quickly so they sell off the film and never give it a chance to find its audience. Or, they simply don't have the money to launch an effective marketing plan. This is assuming, of course that they have distribution in the first place. 

It's certainly disappointing for me because I approach every film with the same 
enthusiasm, regardless of its budget, I do not adjust my performance to match the size of  my paycheck. So, I have seen a few films that I thought were good simply slip through the cracks.
Two of the most disappointing films were actually films that I'm quite proud of and were completely satisfying from an artistic point of view. Not to mention that the experience of making them was educational, enlightening and [adventuresome. All benefits that I've learned to appreciate above and beyond the work itself.

'The Dark Wind' and 'Shadow of the Wolf (' Agaguk' in some places) are cultural films that, I believe, are quite successful in portraying worlds that few people are familiar with and are compelling and intriguing from a storytelling point of view. Both were difficult to market (not mainstream) and were therefore not nurtured with a more grassroots campaign. They were given very brief theatrical runs and are difficult to find on video or DVD. However, I think they are gems and well worth the effort to find them.

LH: A lot of your movies tend to be action, is this your favourite kind of movie to star in? 

LDP: Action films are not necessarily my favorite type of movie but I certainly have fun doing  them and they are probably the most often  made films in Hollywood. Taking part in situations that I would never do in real life (fight scenes, wielding a machine gun, putting myself near an explosion in 'Red Water' among other things) appeals to the boy in me and can be part of that 'I can't believe they're paying me to do this' mentality.

I was also an athlete through high school and college so I think I'm fairly suited to the rigors of action shooting, at least while  I'm reasonably young. (Although, with three daughters and a resume as long as my arm, I think l'm approaching that 'Not-So- Young Gun' stage of my life and career.) I've also discovered that it's easier to stay in shape than to fluctuate since action films pop up fairly often for me and sometimes with short notice. 

My friend and trainer, Darryl Chan, whipped me into shape for 'Courage Under Fire' which I immediately followed with 'The King and I' on Broadway and I discovered that a large audience seeing you with your shirt off is a huge motivator to look good. Having said all this, whenever I read an action script, I still feel the need to have something to 'act.' If there  is not a character on screen that the audience cares about then they are not invested emotionally in the movie and it won't matter how many buildings you blow up.

LH: You wrote a few of your films, Dangerous Touch, Ambition and Trespasses, was this enjoyable and do you plan to do it again in the future? 

LDP: Writing has always been a passion of mine, maybe even my first passion. In fact, the first play in which I ever performed way back in the sixth grade was a class project I had written. Like directing, I consider it to be just a different facet of what I've always done - try to communicate, try to tell and interpret stories.

However, because of the, Ambition' experience, I have been much more protective of my material which include a number of screenplays and even a romantic comedy play. I've held onto them waiting for the right situation, both artistically and financially, to make them, even though that means that some of them might never see anything other than the inside of my desk drawer. Fortunately, I don't make my living as a writer and I can afford to wait until the scripts will at least have a chance to become what they were intended to be.

LH: What has been the hardest skill you have had to learn for the sake of a role in a movie? 

LDP: I view a career as an actor, anyone's career, as an ongoing education. There are so many talents you must be willing to master (at least for a short time) in order to create the illusion of a real life on screen. It's always a challenge but can be frustrating as well as fun, Learning to play each note by note for 'La Bamba' was especially painful since I only had a week to do it and had never played guitar before. ( I still don't, contrary to popular opinion.) Additionally, my fingers didn't have time to build up any callous so the prop master had to literally wipe my blood from the guitar on occasion.

Also, learning to speak Navajo for 'The Dark Wind' was a challenge since the language was made up of breaths and guttural clicks as much as its words. (There have been movies about the Navajo Code Talkers during WWII and how difficult the language was to crack.) And, unfortunately for me, since I accomplished at least a layman's facility with the dialogue for the written scenes, Errol Morris thought I could ad lib in Navajo as well. No such luck, especially since some of the other Navajo actors couldn't speak English. 

And lastly, one skill I recently acquired for a film I hope to continue and perhaps share with my daughters one day  (They're all little mermaids.) Kristi Swanson, Coolio and myself were all certified to be scuba divers for 'Red Water' and the experience was a blast.

LH: You have had a lot of various cameo roles in tv and films, what has been the most fun for you?

LDP: At this point in my life and career, I'm saddened by the fact that there are some people, actors and directors whom I idolize, that I will never get to meet, much less share screen time. Gone are Katherine Hepburn, Anthony Quinn, Gregory Peck and many more, not to mention the many icons whose careers are simply slowing down. So, when I'm offered a cameo or small role to work with someone I admire, I'll usually take it, not as a career move but as a life experience.

l've enjoyed every single one and, strangely enough, have even received some nice notices for what actors might have considered a nothing role. I've had a great time with Harrison Ford and Ron Shelton on "Hollywood Homicide" (although a lot of pain for a little screen time; Shaving legs, waxing eyebrows, high heels, trying to put on a bra, losing weight because women's clothes are SO revealing - Ladies you have my respect)

'Another Day in Paradise' was also out there, but a no brainer to work with James Woods, Melanie Griffith and a truly out there director Larry Clark. I said 'yes'  to 'Picking Up The Pieces' without even reading the script simply to get the opportunity to work with Woody Allen and received the added bonus of hanging out with Sharon Stone and old friends, Kiefer Sutherland, Cheech Marin, Dave Scwimmer, Tony Plana and Elliot Gould.  And speaking of Kiefer, I took the role on '24' sight unseen because knew it would be a three-way with Kiefer, Dennis Hopper and myself.

LH: I have a movie called Demon Wind, which I believe you have a cameo role as a heavily disguised demon. Is this you, and if so how did this role come about? 

LDP: Much to my chagrin, "Yes, that is me in 'Demon Wind.' I needed the money...I'm joking. I was visiting a friend who worked in production on the no-budget film and they were painfully short on demons. (More of a Demon Breeze, really) Crew people were even suiting up to fill in the background so my friend asked me if I'd be interested in demonizing myself as a goof. At this point in my career, I had never worn prosthetics and thought it would be fun. Besides, there's no way anyone would ever recognize me...

LH: Wolf Lake being cancelled was a major disappointment for your fans. Would you ever consider starring in another tv series? It was so good to see you on tv every week! 

LDP: I not only loved the idea of 'Wolf Lake,' I felt extremely privileged to have the cast we assembled; Graham Greene, Tim Matheson, Sharon Lawrence, Mia Kirshner and old friend Bruce McGill- he's in 'Courage Under Fire' for two seconds.) It was a shame it didn't survive because I felt we accomplished the kind of show we set out to make. 
However. my reasons for taking a television show still remain intact. I would 'nt mind having a schedule that was a little more consistent and that allowed me to travel less for the sake of my daughters. Films, as of late and because of economics, have taken me to the four corners of the world where even weekends at home are an impossibility.

You can never get the time back with your children and I hope, not unreasonably I hope given the gypsy life I chose, to strike a balance between family and career. So, yes, I would happily consider a series, especially if it filmed in LA.

LH: There have been talks of you reprising your role in the King And I, is this a option you would consider? 

LDP: Since Yul Bryner performed as  the King until the  day he left us, I consider that door always open to me. I truly loved the experience and the role but presently, if I were to tackle Broadway again, I would look for something new and challenging. Perhaps even an intimate drama or comedy as opposed to a splashy musical. However, my mind is always open to the possibility since I love the stage and the people in that community. 
Though, I must say, with my daughters being of school age and prone to liking Daddy at home, an extended theatre run might be problematic at this time.

LH: Who are you a big fan of, and would probably become tongue tied  in their presence? 

LDP: There are so many actors whom I respect and I fortunately have the wherewithal to not go gaga too much. However I have been known to stick my foot in my mouth. The ones who truly make me nervous are the ones whose careers I believe are not only great but are historic - I've had the great pleasure to have met Gregory Peck, Sydney Poitier, the wonderful James Coburn, Meryl Streep, Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and many more who I believe wrote the book for those of us who have followed in their footsteps.

LH: Could  you please settle a argument amongst fans, how tall are you? I personally think you are about 5'11.

LDP: It's funny, but the comment I get more than any other is "You are taller than I thought you'd be." Do I look that short on screen? Maybe it's because they made me stand in the back in 'Young Guns' and they put me on the shortest horse! I am actually about six feet tall if I don't slouch, which my wife constantly tells me not to do.

LH: On a more personal note, I spoke with you back in 1999 by telephone from England on the Donny and Marie show. You said I spoke like I was from Notting Hill, that was such a dream come true for me! Do you remember this?

LDP: Not only do I remember speaking with you, I enjoyed it very much and look forward to the time when we can sit down face to face.

LH: Have you ever visited my web site, Lou Diamond Phillips BLVD, which I have run since 1999?

LDP: I have been shown the web site (which is very impressive) but I'll be honest, I'm an internet Neanderthal. You won't catch me surfing the web. You'll be lucky if you catch me with a cell phone! But keep up the great work, I appreciate it.

LH: Do you ever get chance to read any of your fan mail? 

LDP: I sometimes get a chance to read fan mail and answer it personally, but given the demands of career and family, it's not always possible to read it all. I apologize to those who don't receive a personal response but, hey, if you see me on the street, come up and say hi.

LH: Do you enjoy speaking with your fans, or do you sometimes find them a little overwhelming when at the end of the day all you want to do is go home and rest? 

LDP: I truly love speaking with people who have enjoyed my work, and not necessarily for the obvious self-congratulatory reasons. I think all actors want to think that their work touches someone and it is gratifying when people take the time to do so. If an actor falls in the forest, does anyone really care? This is one of the reasons I enjoyed The King and I experience so much. Every night after the show I was able to meet people still flush with the experience and feel like, that for at least a couple of hours, we had made a connection.

Having said that, there are those people who can be overbearing, but that's true of life, isn't it? They treat you like a cardboard cutout or without even the respect they would extend to a stranger. And it's ironic because the nature of my job as an actor is to make you believe that you know me (or the character) and so many people become attached to what they see on the screen. Life is more complicated than that and certainly lasts more than two hours. I would only suggest that people not hesitate to pass on their sentiments but to not forget the manners your mama taught you.

LH: Do you have any plans to visit the UK in the future? 

LDP: I have not been back to The UK since I988 and I truly regret that. I have a number of English friends and I am truly enamoured with London. Every film I do, I hope for the chance to at least travel to Europe and revisit a number of favorite spots, but, for the moment, there is nothing definite in the works.

LH: Your next movie is Poker Nights, can you tell us a little about this? What other projects do you have in the works?

LDP: Sadly enough, at least for the present, 'Poker Night' has folded. (pardon the pun) I am still attached and if they can rediscover their financing, I'd happily sit down at the table since poker is one of my passions. Unfortunately, many independent films suffer this fate since financing is a) hard to find and b) not always dependable. I recently said 'yes' to a return engagement on 'The George Lopez Show' playing his brother, also named George Lopez and I am presently in talks to star opposite Mariah Carey in a romantic comedy (finally!) titled 'Sweet Science.'

LH: Finally do you have a message for your many devoted fans who visit my web site?

LDP: I would truly like to thank everyone who has followed my career and been loyal over the years. There's a lot of material out there (not all of it great) and I hope that I've been able to provide some entertainment from time to time.

I also hope that I've touched a few people with the passion and humanity that I try to inject into my work, regardless of the genre. People have been so kind and warm to me and the obvious way I have to pay them back is to continue to strive to do good work and perhaps make a small difference in the world through my personal life. As I said before, If you see me on the street, don't hesitate to say hi. It'd be a pleasure to meet you.

LH: Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions for the web site Lou, I really appreciate it!. Keep those films coming, you are great and one of the nicest people in the entertainment business. 

- Lindsay Holmes, © 2003-2009