Born into poverty. Destined for stardom. He lived the American dream.
Los Angeles teenager Ritchie Valens becomes an overnight rock 'n' roll success in 1958, thanks to a love ballad called "Donna" that he wrote for his girlfriend. But as his star rises, Valens has conflicts with his jealous brother, Bob, and becomes haunted by a recurring nightmare of a plane crash just as he begins his first national tour alongside Buddy Holly.
Made in US
7.3/10
1987
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Cast
Lou Diamond Phillips
As Ritchie Valens
Danielle von Zerneck
As Donna Ludwig
Elizabeth Peña
As Rosie Morales
Rosanna DeSoto
As Connie Valenzuela
Esai Morales
As Bob Morales
Joe Pantoliano
As Bob Keane
Marshall Crenshaw
As Buddy Holly
Brian Setzer
As Eddie Cochran
Daniel Valdez
As Lelo
Howard Huntsberry
As Jackie Wilson
Felipe Cantu
As Curandero
Eddie Frias
As Chino
Mike Moroff
As Mexican Ed
Geoffrey Rivas
As Rudy
Sam Anderson
As Mr. Ludwig
Maggie Gwinn
As Mrs. Ludwig
Jeffrey Alan Chandler
As Alan Freed
Stephen Lee
As Big Bopper
John Quade
As Bartender
Lettie Ibarra
As Vera
Diane Rodriguez
As Ernestine
Katie Valdez
As Connie Jr.
Gloria Balcorta
As Irma
Ernesto Hernández
As Garbage Man
Noble Willingham
As Howard
Thom Pintello
As Sound Engineer
Stephen F. Schmidt
As Tommy Allsup
Rosanna Locke
As Sharon Sheeley
Kim Sebastian
As Donna's Girlfriend
Dyana Ortelli
As Rosalinda
Andy Griggs
As Mr. House
Art K. Koustik
As Trucker
Tony Genaro
As Mr. Caballero
Allison Robinson
As Girl at Party
Hunter Payne
As Baseball Announcer
Joe Miller
As Student
Mary Ann Tanedo
As Student
Barb Jittner
As Student
Brian Russell
As Student
Yolanda Martinez Olivarri
As Tall Blonde Girl on Motorcycle
Frank Aragon
As Student
Linda Holdahl
As Dancer
Thomas Rosales Jr.
As Man at Party
Matthew Shields
As Dancer
Reynaldo Silva
As Student
Connie Valenzuela
As Elderly Lady at Party
Rick Dees
As Ted Quillin
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