Lea Salonga to become first Filipina honoured with Hollywood Walk of Fame star

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 25, 2026

Photo courtesy: Lea Salonga Facebook Page

MANILA, Philippines — Lea Salonga is set to make history on September 4 as the first Filipina to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The Tony Award-winning actress and singer will be honored with the 2,855th star in the Live Performance category during a ceremony at 11:30 AM Pacific Time at 6255 Hollywood Boulevard, in front of the Pantages Theatre.

Actress Ming-Na Wen, who voiced Mulan while Salonga provided the character’s singing voice in Disney’s animated film, will be among the guest speakers. Emmy Award-winning journalist Sibley Scoles will host the ceremony.

Hollywood Walk of Fame producer Ana Martinez called Salonga a trailblazer whose decades-long career has inspired audiences around the world, saying the recognition marks a milestone not only for the performer but also for the Filipino community.

The honor adds to a career spanning more than four decades across theater, film, television and music.

Salonga rose to international prominence after originating the role of Kim in Miss Saigon, which earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical.

She later became the first Asian actress to play Éponine on Broadway in Les Misérables and returned to the production years later as Fantine. Her other Broadway credits include Once on This Island, Allegiance, Flower Drum Song, Here Lies Love and Old Friends.

She is also known to generations of Disney fans as the singing voice of Princess Jasmine in Aladdin and Mulan in Mulan and Mulan II. In 2011, Disney named her a Disney Legend in recognition of her contributions to the company.

More recently, Salonga lent her voice to Netflix’s animated film KPop Demon Hunters and continued to take on stage and screen projects.

Her nomination for the Walk of Fame was submitted by the Manila International Film Festival, a member of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.

Following the ceremony, Salonga is also set to receive the Icon Award at the festival’s Closing Night Awards Gala on September 6 at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills.

For viewers in the Philippines, the Walk of Fame ceremony is expected to stream live early September 5 through the Hollywood Walk of Fame’s official website.