Gerald Upchurch was the biological father of Lou Diamond Phillips, an award-winning Filipino-American actor and director best known for his roles in La Bamba, Stand and Deliver and Young Guns. Gerald served in the U.S. Marine Corps until his untimely death when Lou was only one year old; here’s what we know about his life and legacy.
Early Life and Military Service
Gerald Amon Upchurch was born in 1935 to Ralph Amon Upchurch and his wife. He had Scots-Irish and Cherokee ancestry and joined the U.S. Marine Corps, serving as crew chief on a KC-130 aircraft based out of Subic Bay Naval Station in the Philippines where he met Lucita Umayam Aranas, an Filipina of Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and Hawaiian heritage who became his partner and later his spouse on February 17, 1962 when they married and had Lou Diamond Upchurch as their son.
Death of Gerald
Gerald died at one year old and the cause of his death remains unknown, although speculation suggests that it occurred due to either a plane crash or accident. Lucita later married George Edward Phillips, a naval officer. As soon as George Edward Phillips adopted Phillips he gave him his surname. Phillips would go on to live and grow up in Texas eventually becoming an accomplished actor and director.
Gerald’s Legacy
Gerald Upchurch’s legacy continues through his son, Lou Diamond Phillips. Phillips honored his memory by naming Grace Moorea after him and speaking publicly about how it impacted his identity as a Filipino-American. Additionally, Phillips advocated for equal treatment of Philippine veterans of World War II with those granted by U.S. veterans; additionally supporting various Philippine charities like Red Cross and Bantay Bata Foundation.
FAQ: The Ultimate Guide to Your Questions
Q: When was Gerald Upchurch born?
A: He was born in 1935.
Q: When did he die?
A: He died in 1963.
Q: How did he die?
A: The cause of his death is unknown, but it is speculated that he was killed in a plane crash or an accident.
Q: What was his occupation?
A: He was a crew chief in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Q: Who was his wife?
A: His wife was Lucita Umayam Aranas, a Filipina of Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and Hawaiian descent.
Q: Who was his son?
A: His son was Lou Diamond Phillips, a Filipino-American actor and director.
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