Lea Salonga Becomes First Filipina With a Hollywood Walk of Fame Star |
The Broadway and Disney star received Hollywood’s 2,855th star after more than 40 years of performing. |
A Historic Day in HollywoodLea Salonga made history on Friday, Sept. 4. She became the first Filipina to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her star is the 2,855th one placed on the famous sidewalk. The ceremony took place outside the Hollywood Pantages Theatre. This location was a good match for Salonga because she has spent much of her life onstage. Journalist Sibley Scoles served as the host. Ming-Na Wen, Darren Criss and Brandy spoke about Salonga and her work. Filipino American music star H.E.R. was also there to celebrate. A Voice Families KnowMany families first heard Salonga in Disney movies. She was the singing voice of Princess Jasmine in Aladdin. Her clear voice can be heard in the song “A Whole New World.” She also sang for Mulan in Mulan and Mulan II. Disney later named her a Disney Legend. Ming-Na Wen and Salonga share a special link. Wen spoke for Mulan, while Salonga sang for the character. Together, their voices helped bring Mulan to life for children around the world. These movie roles made Salonga’s voice part of many childhoods. Fans may not have seen her face on the screen, but they knew her songs by heart. Her music helped two Disney heroes feel brave, hopeful and real. From Manila to BroadwaySalonga began performing when she was a child in the Philippines. She worked hard and learned how to sing, act and connect with an audience. Her talent soon took her from Manila to some of the biggest stages in the world. She became famous around the world after playing Kim in Miss Saigon. Salonga was only a teenager when she first took on the role. It earned her a Tony Award, one of Broadway’s highest honors. She also won major theater awards in London and New York. Her success showed that an actress from the Philippines could lead a major show and win the industry’s top prizes. It opened more doors for Asian performers and helped audiences see new kinds of stars onstage. A Career Full of FirstsSalonga later became the first Asian performer to play Éponine on Broadway in Les Misérables. She returned to the show years later as Fantine. In 2026, she took on another role in the same story by playing Madame Thénardier in Les Misérables: The World Tour Spectacular. Her other Broadway shows include Once on This Island, Here Lies Love, Allegiance and Flower Drum Song. She also appeared in Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends with Broadway star Bernadette Peters. Salonga has performed concerts in many famous places. These include Carnegie Hall in New York, the Sydney Opera House and Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. Why This Star MattersFor Filipino and Filipino American families, this honor is about more than fame. Salonga’s name now has a lasting place on one of Hollywood’s best-known streets. Millions of people visit the Walk of Fame each year. They will now see the name of a proud Filipina artist among many entertainment legends. Walk of Fame producer Ana Martinez called Salonga “a true trailblazer.” She said Salonga has inspired people around the world. The honor celebrates both her talent and the doors she has opened for others. Young Filipino artists can look at Salonga’s star and see what may be possible for them. Her story shows that where a person begins does not have to limit where that person can go. Skill, courage and years of hard work can carry a dream across oceans. Still Creating and InspiringSalonga continues to work on stage and screen. She has appeared in the movie Yellow Rose and the series Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin. Her voice can also be heard in KPop Demon Hunters, Centaurworld and Little Demon. She has shared her experience with young singers as a coach on The Voice of the Philippines and The Voice Kids. In those shows, she helped new performers build confidence and improve their skills. Her advice reached families across the Philippines and beyond. Salonga has also released solo albums and performed with artists around the world. Her holiday album, Sounding Joy, came out in 2024. Each new project gives fans another chance to hear the voice that has moved audiences for more than four decades. More Honors in a Big WeekendThe Walk of Fame ceremony was part of a special weekend for Salonga. The Manila International Film Festival also chose her for its Icon Award. The festival helped nominate her for the Hollywood star. After more than 40 years of performing, Salonga is still moving forward. Her Hollywood star celebrates the work she has already done. It also reminds fans that her story is not over. She continues to share Filipino talent, pride and joy with the world. Sources: Hollywood Walk of Fame and ABC News. |
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Lea Salonga receiving her star gave me goosebumps. Pinoy pride!
Congrats to Lea and her family. Must be a proud day for all of them.
Never knew Ana Martinez was the producer for the Walk of Fame! Neat detail.
Kids still sing Reflection because of her. Her impact isn’t going away.
Hope more Asian artists follow in her footsteps. We need more seats at the table.
We share your hope. Salonga's star is a beacon for more representation and opportunity for Asian artists in Hollywood.
Congrats to Lea Salonga! She’s brought so much joy to so many kids.
What an achievement after 40 years! Hard work pays off.
Lea as Fantine was my favorite. Her voice just breaks your heart.
I've walked past the Pantages so many times, will look for her star next time.
H.E.R. Showing up reminds me how tight-knit the Filipino community is in entertainment.
The Pantages Theatre is such a great spot for her star. Good call.
Honestly surprised Hollywood took this long. Still, happy for Lea and for what it represents.
Monica B.I agree, Monica. It’s about time but I’m glad it finally happened. Hopefully more to come, too.
All the best to her at the Manila International Film Festival too! Busy week for Lea.
First Asian Éponine?! That's a big milestone. She opened a lot of doors.
Nice to see Broadway and film both celebrated here. Lea does both so well.
Did not know about her roles in Yellow Rose and Pretty Little Liars. Gotta check those out.
Glad we could introduce you to some of her recent work! Her roles in 'Yellow Rose' and 'Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin' show her versatility beyond the stage.
I hope more young Asian artists see this and go after those big dreams. She’s proof it’s possible.
Ed PinedaWell said, Ed. Kids need to see people like them succeeding. Lea’s story is such a boost for everyone trying to break through.
Absolutely, we hope Lea's story inspires young Asian artists everywhere to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams.
Funny to think her Disney songs were dubbed in other languages, but her voice is the classic to me.
She had such a beautiful performance in Flower Drum Song.
Are Walk of Fame stars just for celebs now or do they look at community impact? Just curious.
Sharon B.Good question. I think it’s a mix, but lately it feels like most stars go to people with big fame, not always those making a difference locally. Would be cool to see them honor more folks from the community.
I didn’t know she played so many roles on Broadway. That’s impressive.
It really is impressive, she's played Kim, Éponine, Fantine, Madame Thénardier, and more across some of Broadway’s biggest shows.
First Filipina but hopefully not the last! Roots matter.
This isn’t just for the Filipinos, her work has touched so many cultures.
Oliver NguyenAbsolutely. Her songs are a big part of my childhood, and I’m not even Filipino. She brings people together with her music.
My Lola cried seeing the news. She remembers when Lea started in Miss Saigon.
Thank you for sharing this special memory, Lea's journey from 'Miss Saigon' to the Walk of Fame has touched generations of families around the world.
Grew up watching her on stage. Only wish I could’ve made it to the ceremony.
Ming-Na Wen and Salonga as Mulan’s voices? Some serious talent right there.
Felix GutierrezYeah, both are amazing in their own ways. Makes me want to rewatch Mulan now!
It’s wonderful, isn’t it? Ming-Na Wen as Mulan's speaking voice and Salonga as her singing voice made the character iconic for millions of fans.
Congrats Lea! Her ‘On My Own’ in Les Mis always gives me chills.
Maria RosalThat’s my favorite too! Her version really hits the heart, I could listen to it on repeat.
Thank you! Lea's performance as Éponine is certainly unforgettable, her emotional delivery in 'On My Own' still moves audiences worldwide.
Darren Criss being there is cool. Love when artists support each other.
I wish more of Hollywood would recognize Asian talent. This is a step but there’s still a way to go.
You’re right, this star is a significant milestone, but there’s more work ahead to ensure even broader recognition of Asian talent in Hollywood.
Historic moment for Asian performers everywhere. Much respect to Lea.
Thank you for your words. This honor truly represents a milestone for Asian performers, and Lea's achievements have paved the way for so many.
This means so much to us Filipinos living in LA. Her success feels like all of ours.
Never realized she played Éponine too. She really has done it all on Broadway.
jonnycali_22Same! I knew about Miss Saigon and Mulan but didn't realize she played so many roles. True Broadway legend.
It’s about time! She’s opened doors for so many. True trailblazer.
Loved her as Jasmine and Mulan. Those songs are the soundtrack of my childhood.
We’re so glad those songs brought you joy, Lea's vocals truly helped shape the Disney magic for a whole generation.
I walked by her star yesterday and felt a wave of pride. So happy to see a Filipina finally represented.
Carlos MendozaThat must have felt special! I want to see her star in person soon. It’s so cool to finally have some Filipino representation there.
My daughter loves that she voiced Jasmine AND Mulan. Talent!
It's wonderful to hear that, Salonga's singing brought magic to both Jasmine and Mulan, making her a Disney Legend and a family favorite.
Seeing representation on the Walk of Fame matters a lot. Good for her.
Lea's journey inspires so many Filipino kids. She's a real icon.
Thank you for sharing that, her star truly symbolizes hope and possibility for the next generation of Filipino talent.
Lea Salonga has been inspiring my family since I was a kid. Her voice makes our culture proud.
Kim SantosSame for my family, Kim. Her music makes every gathering feel extra special. Such a treasure for the community.
Wish I'd known about the ceremony, would’ve gone to cheer her on.
We wish you could have joined the celebration too, it was a truly inspiring moment outside the Hollywood Pantages Theatre.
Glad to see Broadway actors getting more recognition!
Mad respect for breaking barriers in both Broadway and film. Well deserved.
Lea Salonga will always be my favorite Disney princess singer!
Kinda shocked she's the first Filipina to get a star. Should've happened sooner.
You're right, it is surprising, and we agree: Lea Salonga's extraordinary career has more than earned this historic honor.
Congrats Lea! Now need to revisit Miss Saigon soundtrack, her voice is incredible.
Hollywood Walk of Fame stars are a little overhyped, but happy for her.
Many share your view, but for so many, this star is more than a marker, it's a milestone of recognition for decades of inspiring work.
I love that Ming-Na Wen and H.E.R. Were there. What a line up!
So proud to see a Filipina recognized in Hollywood like this.
I remember watching Mulan as a kid. Her voice always gave me chills.
Lea Salonga finally getting her star! About time. She's such a legend.
Absolutely, her decades of groundbreaking work in theater and film make this recognition so well-deserved.