Lea Salonga, the internationally acclaimed singer and actress, is set to be honoured with a star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Tony and Olivier Award winner, who recently concluded her run in Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends, will receive her star as part of the Class of 2026 honourees in recognition of her extensive contributions to live theatre. The date for the ceremony has yet to be announced.
Salonga’s inclusion is significant for Filipino and wider Asian representation in Hollywood. She becomes the first Filipina to receive a star specifically for live performance, and only the fourth Filipino overall to receive the honour, following figures such as Rob Schneider and Bruno Mars. Her nomination was notably submitted by the Manila International Film Festival (MIFF), adding symbolic weight to the recognition. MIFF described Salonga as “the one and only,” echoing a sentiment widely held by many Filipinos and the musical theatre community who regard her voice as singular.
Salonga’s career began early in Manila, where she was dubbed the “Shirley Temple of the Philippines.” Her meteoric rise to international stardom occurred at just 18, when she originated the lead role of Kim in the original London production of ‘Miss Saigon.’ This breakout performance earned her a Laurence Olivier Award. A year later, she brought the role to Broadway, making history as the first Asian woman to win a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical.
Her success on stage continued with a pre-eminent portrayal of Éponine in ‘Les Misérables,’ a role she famously sang for the musical’s televised 10th-anniversary concert. Her Broadway credits also include ‘Flower Drum Song,’ ‘Allegiance,’ ‘Once On This Island,’ and the groundbreaking ‘Here Lies Love.’ Beyond New York and London, Salonga has maintained a prolific stage career in her native Manila, taking on roles in productions such as ‘Into the Woods’ and ‘Sweeney Todd.’
Beyond Broadway: Disney Legend and Advocate
Salonga’s influence extends far beyond the theatre district. She became a beloved voice for generations as the singing voice of Princess Jasmine in Disney’s 1992 animated classic Aladdin, and later as the singing voice for the title character of Mulan in 1998. For her portrayal of these iconic princesses, The Walt Disney Company bestowed upon her the honour of “Disney Legend” in 2011.
Beyond her stage and screen accomplishments, Salonga has actively used her platform to advocate for various social justice issues. She has been a vocal supporter of Asian American representation, LGBTQ+ rights, and the fight against anti-Asian hate. Her journey, as she shared on Instagram, captures what the moment means not just to her, but “to a global community that has seen its dreams reflected in her journey.”
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Salonga continues to tour actively and mentor aspiring performers. Her upcoming star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame will not simply mark a career; it reflects a significant cultural triumph, rooted in artistic excellence and powerfully voiced, poised to inspire generations to come.
