Daniel Valdez
Biography
Daniel Valdez is an American actor, musician, and composer who co-founded Teatro Campesino with his brother Luis. Born in California, he released his first solo album Mestizo in 1973; it became the first Chicano album from a major label, A&M Records. He appeared in Which Way Is Up? (1977) and The China Syndrome (1979), then drew notice as Henry Reyna in the Broadway production of Zoot Suit (1979), repeating the role in the 1981 film and co-writing its music. Valdez was an associate producer of La Bamba (1987), the Ritchie Valens biopic, and acted in and wrote songs for Born in East L.A. (1987). He performed on Linda Ronstadt's Grammy-winning Canciones de Mi Padre, composed the score for the IMAX documentary Mexico, wrote the musical Ollin, and acted in Sunsets and Margaritas in 2010.
77years old
Turns 78 on April 27in 197 days
- Born California
- Star sign: TaurusThe sign runs April 20 to May 20
Movie Career
- Films
- 3
- Career span
- 10 years1977 to 1987
Every film, newest first
- 1987La BambaIMDb rating 7.0
- 1979The China SyndromeIMDb rating 7.4
- 1977Which Way Is Up?IMDb rating 6.2
Genres
Share
Did you know?!
Behind the camera
In 1987, Valdez worked as an associate producer on La Bamba, the biopic about Ritchie Valens. That project, a hit, was something Valdez called a "life-long dream" that came true.
Behind the camera
While he was at Southwestern College, Valdez wrote Ollin, which was his first original musical. In 1997, he also worked as a musical consultant and historical expert for the San Diego Repertory Theatre and Southwestern College's revival of Zoot Suit.
Daniel Valdez movies on Netflix
La Bambaas Lelo
The China Syndromeas Hector Salas
Which Way Is Up?as Chuy Estrada
Worked with
Daniel Valdez made one film with each of them. Pick a number on the chart or a name in the list to see the films they share.








Films together
Joe Pantoliano1 film together, 1987
Joe Pantoliano's page La Bamba1987IMDb rating 7.0Valdez as LeloPantoliano as Bob Keane
Jane Fonda1 film together, 1979
Jane Fonda's page The China Syndrome1979IMDb rating 7.4Valdez as Hector SalasFonda as Kimberly Wells
Jack Lemmon1 film together, 1979
Jack Lemmon's page The China Syndrome1979IMDb rating 7.4Valdez as Hector SalasLemmon as Jack Godell
Michael Douglas1 film together, 1979
Michael Douglas's page The China Syndrome1979IMDb rating 7.4Valdez as Hector SalasDouglas as Richard Adams
Tim Thomerson1 film together, 1977
Tim Thomerson's page Which Way Is Up?1977IMDb rating 6.2Valdez as Chuy EstradaThomerson as Tour Guide
James Karen1 film together, 1979
James Karen's page The China Syndrome1979IMDb rating 7.4Valdez as Hector SalasKaren as Mac Churchill
Luis ValdezDirector, 1 film, 1987
All films by Luis Valdez La Bamba1987IMDb rating 7.0Valdez as Lelo
James BridgesDirector, 1 film, 1979
All films by James Bridges The China Syndrome1979IMDb rating 7.4Valdez as Hector Salas
Michael SchultzDirector, 1 film, 1977
All films by Michael Schultz Which Way Is Up?1977IMDb rating 6.2Valdez as Chuy Estrada
Online
Official profiles and reference pages.