Lea Salonga becomes first Filipina honored with Hollywood Walk of Fame star

HOLLYWOOD — Award-winning actress and singer Lea Salonga became the first Filipina to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, marking a milestone in a career spanning Broadway, music and film.

“What an extraordinary journey this has been,” Salonga said during the ceremony.

Salonga said she was proud and grateful to be recognized for a groundbreaking career that helped pave the way for greater representation in entertainment.

“When I began my career, I didn’t see very many people who looked like me, doing the things I dreamed of doing on the world’s biggest stages and screens. There wasn’t an obvious road,” she said.

Salonga’s career took her to Broadway, where she won the Tony Award for best actress in a musical in 1991 for Miss Saigon. She has since starred in several Broadway productions and released numerous albums.

She is also known as the singing voice of Princess Jasmine in Disney’s Aladdin.

Friend and Disney colleague Ming-Na Wen joined Salonga for the unveiling ceremony. Wen provided the speaking voice for Mulan, while Salonga supplied the singing voice for the title character in Disney’s 1998 animated film.

“I’m so happy I can be here to sing your praises. Not really singing. That’s for my sister there. Don’t worry… haha!” Wen said.

Salonga was named a Disney Legend in 2011 for her work on both films. More recently, she performed with several other Disney Princesses at D23.

As she accepted the honor, Salonga reflected on the people who helped her throughout her career and on changes she has seen in the entertainment industry.

“I was incredibly fortunate that there were people who opened doors for me, who took chances on me and who saw what I might be capable of. And over the years, I have watched that world begin to change. Not enough, not completely, but it has changed, Maraming Maraming Salamat,” she said.

In Tagalog, “Maraming maraming salamat” means “thank you very, very much.”

The ceremony celebrated Salonga’s achievements and her historic place as the first Filipina recipient of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.