Luis Valdez is an American playwright, actor, writer, and film director. Regarded as the father of Chicano theatre in the United States, Valdez is best known for his Broadway play Zoot Suit (Winter Garden Theatre). Regionally produced plays include Bandido! (El Teatro Campesino) and I Don't Have to Show You No Stinking Badges (OnStage Playhouse).

Screenplay credits include The Cisco Kid, La Bamba, Corridos: Tales of Passion & Revolution, Zoot Suit, and Fighting for Our Lives.