Actor Lou Diamond Phillips took some time before taking the Starlight Theatre stage Thursday night as the King of Siam in “The King and I” to visit with students at the Mattie Rhodes Art Center and Gallery.
“Art led me to be an actor. Before I took the stage, I painted backdrops and props. I took sewing lessons,” he says. “I was in my first play in sixth grade. I continued through high school and went to college to study drama.” He graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a bachelor’s of fine arts in drama.
The young
students attending may not have known of Diamond’s movie, television and stage
career including such turns as the young rock singer Ritchie Valens in “La
Bamba” (1987) or as gang member turned math scholar Angel Guzman in “Stand and
Deliver” (1988), they were encouraged by his words. “Be grateful that you have
a place like this art center to come and express yourself. You aren’t sitting
at home, playing Nintendo or watching television.
“I wish I could remember which philosopher said ‘A civilization is judged on the respect for its art. A nation at peace, with time and luxury, makes art that can be forever and we are allowed to feel that passion. Look at the museums in town, go and experience the art.”
Phillips not only spoke about the stage, but also asked the students to be committed to their art in whatever form they wished to pursue. “If it speaks to you, go for it,” he says, “but take your time. Have the care and be proud of the results. Again it’s a respect for the arts.”
Phillips
continues to receive good reviews for his role as the King of Siam. He first
played the role in the 1996 Broadway revival and gained a Tony nomination for
Best Actor in a Musical, a Drama Desk Outstanding Actor in a Musical nomination
and a Theater World award win. He even recorded the soundtrack to the revival.
Fifteen years later, Phillips is back in title role opposite his long-time
co-star Rachel Bay Jones.
“I went into acting; I wanted to become a storyteller. I am an interpreter. I get to do what makes me happy. I want others to do what makes you happy as well,” he says. “There is literature, weaving, pottery … find your bliss. Remember what you create is totally unique and if it’s linked to your cultural heritage, all the better.”
He again referenced “The King and I.” The King and I opened on Broadway on March 29, 1951, where it proceeded to run for three years and 1,246 performances. It received five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. “I am part of a musical that is 60 years old. There are messages that hold true for today. However, the best is that each generations picks up the torch and sees the worth.”
Phillips, led by Art Gallery Director Jenny Mendez led Phillips around the gallery and the current exhibit of images of artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. He paused and looked at woodcarvings from the late self-taught woodcarver Kathy Ruth Neal, a Kansas Citian.
Denton Yockey, Starlight Theatre’s president and executive producer, says he serves as the actor’s driver. “I am always thrilled when the stars want to get out into the community. For Lou, this act of giving back and giving time is as natural to him as breathing.”
Mattie Rhodes President and CEO John Fierro also invited Phillips to visit the center again. “You are an ambassador for the arts,” he says.
