Native News
Actor Lou Diamond Phillips to Meet Fans at Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort in August
Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort, the premier destination of the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise (Navajo Gaming), is preparing to welcome one of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars when actor Lou Diamond Phillips visits the resort on Thursday, Aug. 27.
During the special appearance, Phillips will share stories from his decades-long career in film, television, and theater, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at the entertainment industry. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet the actor, obtain autographs, and pose for photographs.
Following his appearance at Twin Arrows, Phillips is scheduled to attend additional events at Fire Rock Navajo Casino and Northern Edge Navajo Casino on Friday and Saturday. Additional details will be announced as schedules are finalized.
Phillips has built a career spanning more than four decades and remains one of Hollywood’s most enduring performers. He rose to prominence portraying Ritchie Valens in the hit film La Bamba and earned widespread acclaim for his role in Stand and Deliver, which brought him a Golden Globe nomination and an Independent Spirit Award. His film credits also include Young Guns and Young Guns II, while television audiences recognize him from appearances in Longmire and Prodigal Son. On stage, Phillips earned a Tony Award nomination for his performance in The King and I.
The visit highlights the Navajo Nation’s longstanding connection to filmmaking. For generations, Hollywood has been drawn to Navajo lands for their iconic landscapes and dramatic scenery. More recently, Navajo filmmakers have emerged as leading voices in Indigenous cinema, helping reshape how Native stories are told on screen.
Filmmakers including Sydney Freeland, Nanobah Becker, Shonie and Andee De La Rosa, and Blackhorse Lowe are part of a growing movement of Native creators producing films grounded in language, culture, and contemporary community life, challenging the stereotypes that have long defined Native representation in mainstream media.
Navajo Gaming officials say Phillips’ visit reflects the enterprise’s support for the art of filmmaking and storytelling.
As the only Navajo-owned resort of its kind in the world, Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort showcases Navajo culture throughout its property, including more than $500,000 in commissioned original artwork created by Navajo artists. The resort also offers live entertainment, more than 1,000 slot machines, table games, and bingo.
In addition, the resort features a five-story hotel with 200 guest rooms and suites, a 10,000-square-foot banquet and conference center, a fitness center, heated indoor pool, family arcade, and five dining venues.