Home / Arts and Entertainment / Stamos Nearly Starred as Ritchie Valens in La Bamba
Stamos Nearly Starred as Ritchie Valens in La Bamba
26 Aug
Summary
- John Stamos was almost cast as Ritchie Valens in 'La Bamba'.
- Lou Diamond Phillips was initially misled about the film's subject.
- Stamos cited cultural differences for declining the role.
Lou Diamond Phillips has shared behind-the-scenes details about the 1987 film 'La Bamba,' including that John Stamos was initially considered for the lead role of Ritchie Valens. Phillips himself was unaware he was auditioning for Valens' biopic, having been told it was about Frankie Valli.
Phillips learned that Stamos, who is Greek-American, was slated to play the Mexican-American rock and roll icon. Stamos later explained his decision to withdraw, stating he didn't feel comfortable portraying a Latino character, despite encouragement from his father to follow Anthony Quinn's precedent.
Ultimately, Lou Diamond Phillips secured the role of Ritchie Valens, with Esai Morales playing his brother. The film achieved critical and commercial success, earning a Golden Globe nomination for Best Motion Picture, Drama.
