Lea Salonga becomes the first Filipino to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on September 5, 2026.
Broadway and screen star Lea Salonga has made history as the first Filipino to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The 55-year-old performer was honoured on Friday (September 5) in the live theatre category, with her 2,855th star unveiled on Hollywood Boulevard outside the historic Pantages Theatre.
The ceremony brought together fellow performers, industry figures, family members and fans to celebrate a career spanning 45 years. Salonga used her acceptance speech to reflect on the significance of the moment, while adding her trademark humour.
“I have walked down this street many times. I’ve stepped on a lot of famous people and, now, people get to step on me, which feels strangely appropriate for show business. I love a full circle moment,” she said. She later joked: “Feel free to walk on me.”
But beyond the humour, Salonga highlighted what the recognition means for Filipinos and Asians hoping to build careers in the global entertainment industry. “There are so many extraordinary Filipino and Asian artistes working today, telling our stories, playing roles we once could have never imagined being offered, and creating new opportunities for future generations. That means an enormous amount to me,” she said. “I hope that someday, a Filipino kid comes to Hollywood, sees my name and thinks, ‘maybe I can get here too.’”
Salonga’s career of firsts
Salonga’s Walk of Fame star adds another historic achievement to a career that has repeatedly broken barriers.
She began performing professionally in the Philippines at the age of seven in a production of The King and I. She went on to achieve international fame as Kim in Miss Saigon, becoming the first Filipino and first Asian actress to win the Laurence Olivier Award and Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for the role. She also became the first Asian performer to win the Tony in that category.
Salonga later made history as the first Asian actress to play both Eponine and Fantine in Les Misérables.
Her voice also reached millions through Disney. She provided the singing voice for Mulan in the 1998 animated film and Princess Jasmine in Aladdin, and was named a Disney Legend in 2011.
Her Hollywood recognition was celebrated by several stars who have worked with her over the years.
Ming-Na Wen, who voiced Mulan in the animated film, paid tribute to the performer’s influence both on and off stage.
“I’ve seen you fill huge venues all by yourself, like the rock star you are. But you’ve also found the time to open doors for young artistes all around the world and have contributed to many humanitarian efforts,” Wen said. “Your real legacy lives in the people you have inspired, the performers who found courage because of you, and the millions of fans who found joy in your music and the communities who see themselves represented in your success.”
Fellow performer Darren Criss also praised Salonga’s career and work ethic. “Today, we are celebrating a hard worker,” Criss said. He added: “She is a devoted acolyte of the craftsmanship of performance.”
Brandy, who performed “A Whole New World” with Salonga at Disney California Adventure in August, also spoke about the impact of the Filipina performer. “Before many people knew how to speak about representation, Lea had already turned it into sound,” Brandy said. “Her voice told millions of children, ‘You are not outside of the magic. You are within it. You are a part of it.’”
Filipina actress Dolly De Leon, who attended the ceremony, summed up the historic nature of the occasion simply. “It’s about time,” De Leon said.
The occasion also became a celebration for Filipino fans, many of whom arrived hours before the ceremony. Supporters began gathering as early as 8am, with attendees wearing Disney costumes and Filipino-themed outfits. The crowd sang Salonga’s “Nandito Ako” and “Reflection” from Mulan while waiting for the ceremony to begin.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame honour comes as Salonga promotes her latest project, DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, in which she voices the Dreaded Manananggal. The animated film features a predominantly Filipino cast and draws from Philippine folklore and mythology.
Salonga’s star now sits alongside those of some of Hollywood’s most celebrated names, including Marilyn Monroe, Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Tom Cruise and Charlie Chaplin. CAM/Expat Media
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