Tony Award-winning performer Lea Salonga will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Sept. 4, becoming the first Filipina to receive the honor.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce will dedicate Salonga’s 2,855th star at 11:30 a.m. outside the Pantages Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. She will be honored in the Live Performance category. Emmy Award-winning journalist Sibley Scoles will emcee the ceremony, and actor Ming-Na Wen is scheduled to speak.
Salonga’s recognition marks a milestone for Filipino artists in global entertainment. Her four-decade career has crossed Broadway, film, television, recordings and concert stages, while introducing generations of audiences to Filipino talent.
The Manila International Film Festival nominated Salonga for consideration by the Hollywood Walk of Fame selection committee. MIFF Executive Producer and co-founder Lisa Lew has described Salonga as a barrier-breaking artist whose career has helped inspire Filipino and Asian artists worldwide.
“Lea Salonga is a legend whose extraordinary career has broken barriers and inspires generations of Filipino and Asian artists globally,” Lew said in an earlier statement. “The Manila International Film Festival is proud to champion Lea’s achievements through our Hollywood Walk of Fame nomination.”
Salonga is best known on Broadway for originating the role of Kim in “Miss Saigon,” a performance that earned her a Tony Award and made her the first Asian woman to win the award for best actress in a musical. She has also appeared in Broadway productions of “Les Misérables,” “Flower Drum Song,” “Allegiance,” “Here Lies Love” and the revival of “Once on This Island.”
Her screen work has reached a different generation of fans. Salonga provided the singing voice for Princess Jasmine in Disney’s “Aladdin” and Fa Mulan in “Mulan” and “Mulan II.” The Walt Disney Co. later named her a Disney Legend.
Salonga and Wen share a connection through “Mulan.” Wen voiced the title character in the original animated film, while Salonga supplied Mulan’s singing voice.
The Walk of Fame ceremony will precede another tribute during the third Manila International Film Festival. Salonga is scheduled to receive the festival’s Icon Award at its closing-night gala Sept. 6 at the Beverly Hilton. The festival is set for Sept. 3-6.
Ana Martinez, producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, said the chamber was proud to welcome Salonga to the landmark.
“Lea Salonga is a true trailblazer whose extraordinary talent and decades-long career have inspired audiences around the world,” Martinez said in a statement. “Her achievement is a milestone, not only for Lea, but for the Filipino community and for generations of artists who will follow in her footsteps.”
The ceremony is expected to stream live through the Hollywood Walk of Fame website.
