Lea Salonga Becomes the First Filipina With a Hollywood Star

Lea Salonga made Hollywood history on Friday when she received a star on the Walk of Fame, becoming the first Filipina to earn the distinction. The ceremony took place outside the Pantages Theatre, a fitting location for a performer whose career has connected Broadway, film music and audiences around the world.

Salonga used the occasion to look beyond her own résumé. She spoke about beginning as a young performer in the Philippines without seeing many people who looked like her on the world’s biggest stages. Her hope, she said, is that a Filipino child can now encounter her name in Hollywood and see a possible path forward.

A career built across stage and screen

The honor recognizes a body of work that repeatedly crossed cultural and industry boundaries. Salonga originated the role of Kim in “Miss Saigon” and won the 1991 Tony Award for her performance, becoming the first Asian actress to win in that category. She later played both Éponine and Fantine in Broadway productions of “Les Misérables.”

Her voice also became part of Disney history. She sang for Princess Jasmine in 1992’s “Aladdin,” including “A Whole New World,” and provided the singing voice for the title character in 1998’s “Mulan.” Those roles introduced her to movie audiences far beyond the theater community.

A celebration of representation

Ming-Na Wen, who supplied Mulan’s speaking voice, joined the ceremony alongside Brandy and Darren Criss. Their presence underscored the range of Salonga’s influence: from animation and pop performance to a new generation of Filipino artists working in American entertainment.

The milestone also arrived as Salonga continues to take on new projects rather than treating the star as a closing tribute. Her longevity has allowed several generations to discover her through different roles, recordings and live performances.

Hollywood stars can function as markers of fame, but Salonga gave this one a broader meaning. For Filipino and Asian performers, her name on the boulevard records a barrier crossed. For younger artists, it makes an international career feel less abstract—and a little more reachable.