Lea Salonga Awarded Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Lea Salonga, the acclaimed Filipino singer and actress, was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on December 1, 2023. The star, located at 6,900 Hollywood Boulevard, recognizes her significant contributions to the entertainment industry. Salonga, who rose to international fame for originating the role of Kim in the West End and Broadway production of "Miss Saigon," expressed her hope that her achievement would inspire young Filipinos. "I hope that someday a young Filipino kid comes to Hollywood, sees my name and thinks, 'Oh, maybe I can get here too,'" she stated during the ceremony. Her star is situated near those of other notable performers, underscoring her place among Hollywood's elite.

Salonga's career spans over four decades, marked by a diverse range of roles in theatre, film, and television, as well as a successful recording career. She is perhaps best known to global audiences for her dual role as the singing and speaking voice of Princess Jasmine in Disney's animated film "Aladdin" (1992) and the singing voice of Mulan in Disney's "Mulan" (1998) and "Mulan II" (2004). Her performance in "Miss Saigon" earned her an Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical in 1990. She later reprised the role of Kim on Broadway, earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical in 1991. Beyond "Miss Saigon," Salonga has starred in numerous other stage productions, including "Les Misérables" on Broadway, where she played Éponine and later Fantine. She also appeared in the Broadway production of "Flower Drum Song" and the 2019 revival of "Once on This Island."

In addition to her theatrical work, Salonga has released several studio albums, including "Lea Salonga" (1991), "I'd Give My All to You" (1993), and "Lea Salonga: The Journey So Far" (2019). Her concert performances and television appearances have further solidified her status as a versatile entertainer. She served as a coach and judge on "The Voice of the Philippines" and "The Voice Kids Philippines," mentoring aspiring singers and contributing to the show's popularity. The Hollywood Walk of Fame, established in 1960, is a landmark comprising more than 2,700 terrazzo and brass stars embedded in the sidewalks along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street. Each star is dedicated to a prominent individual in the entertainment industry, chosen by a selection committee from thousands of nominations annually. Salonga's induction marks a significant moment for Filipino representation in Hollywood and celebrates a career defined by exceptional talent and enduring impact.