Lea Salonga makes history as first Filipina to receive Hollywood Walk of Fame star

Her 2,855th star honours a career spanning Broadway, Disney classics, film, television and global stages

Lea Salonga has reached another landmark in a career already filled with historic achievements, becoming the first Filipina to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The award winning Broadway actress and singer was honoured on Friday, September 4, in a ceremony held outside the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. Salonga received the 2,855th star on the famous boulevard in the Live Performance category, marking a significant moment for both her career and Filipino representation in the entertainment industry.

Salonga used the occasion to reflect on the challenges she faced early in her career and the importance of seeing people from similar backgrounds represented on major stages. During her acceptance speech, she recalled a time when there were few artists who looked like her achieving the kind of international success she hoped to pursue.

"When I began my career, I did not see very many people who looked like me doing the things I dreamed of doing on the world's biggest stages and screens," Salonga said. She credited the people who supported her and helped create opportunities at crucial points in her career.

Her own achievements have since opened doors for generations of performers. Salonga became internationally recognised through her breakthrough role as Kim in Miss Saigon, for which she won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical in 1991 at the age of 20. She later appeared as Éponine and Fantine in Les Misérables on Broadway.

Her voice also became closely associated with two of Disney's most beloved animated characters. Salonga provided the singing voice for Princess Jasmine in Aladdin, including the Academy Award winning song "A Whole New World", and later supplied the singing voice for Fa Mulan in Mulan and Mulan II. Disney subsequently named her a Disney Legend in recognition of her contribution to the company and its characters.

Her career has continued to expand across theatre, film and television. Salonga starred in Here Lies Love on Broadway in 2023, where she also made her Broadway producing debut and played Aurora Aquino, marking her first Broadway role as a Filipino character. She later starred opposite Bernadette Peters in Old Friends, which began in London's West End before moving to Los Angeles.

Salonga has also remained active on screen and in animation. Her recent credits include the Netflix animated film KPop Demon Hunters, while her extensive stage career has included productions such as Once on This Island, Allegiance and Flower Drum Song. The Hollywood Walk of Fame also notes her long international touring career and performances at major venues around the world.

The ceremony featured fellow performers and collaborators who celebrated Salonga's influence. Brandy, who recently performed "A Whole New World" with Salonga during Disney Princess: The Ultimate Concert Celebration, was among those paying tribute to her.

Brandy praised Salonga's ability to connect with audiences through her voice and highlighted the significance of her career for young performers who have followed her.

Salonga also acknowledged the progress she has witnessed throughout her decades in entertainment. She noted that Filipino and Asian artists now have greater opportunities to tell their stories and take on roles that once seemed inaccessible.

The historic recognition comes as Salonga prepares to continue an already busy chapter of her career. She is also scheduled to receive the Icon Award at the Manila International Film Festival's Closing Night Awards Gala on September 6.