Ritchie Valens
ActingAbout Ritchie Valens
Richard Steven Valenzuela (May 13, 1941 – February 3, 1959), known professionally as Ritchie Valens, was an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist. A rock and roll pioneer and a forefather of the Chicano rock movement, Valens was killed in a plane crash eight months into his recording career. Valens had several hits, most notably "La Bamba", which he had adapted from a Mexican folk song. Valens transformed the song into one with a rock rhythm and beat, and it became a hit in 1958, making Valens a pioneer of the Spanish-speaking rock and roll movement. He also had an American number 2 hit with "Donna". On February 3, 1959, on what has become known as "The Day the Music Died", Valens died in a plane crash in Iowa, an accident that also claimed the lives of fellow musicians Buddy Holly and J. P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, as well as pilot Roger Peterson. In 2001, Valens was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Ritchie Valens reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 5 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Documentary
The majority of Ritchie Valens's filmography leans towards the Documentary genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 20% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Ritchie Valens remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Rock 'n' Roll and the 1950's Vol. 2, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Ritchie Valens Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Ritchie Valens's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Ritchie Valens.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | The Day the Music Died: The Story of Don McLean's "American Pie" | Self (archive footage) | Average | Similar → |
| 2012 | The True Buddy Holly Story | Self (archive footage) | Flop | Similar → |
| 2003 | Rock 'n' Roll and the 1950's Vol. 2 | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | Behind The Music: The Day The Music Died | Self (archive footage) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1959 | Go, Johnny, Go! | Himself | Average | Similar → |
Ritchie Valens - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Ritchie Valens?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Ritchie Valens is "Rock 'n' Roll and the 1950's Vol. 2" with a rating of 8.0/10.
How many movies has Ritchie Valens acted in?
Ritchie Valens has been featured in at least 5 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Ritchie Valens?
Other notable films include "Go, Johnny, Go!", "The Day the Music Died: The Story of Don McLean's "American Pie"", and "The True Buddy Holly Story".