By Joy Evangelica Agoylo
Lea Salonga, the first Asian woman to win a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her role as Kim in Miss Saigon in 1991, is set to be the first Filipina to have a prestigious star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Lea is part of the Walk of Fame’s Class of 2026, a result of the nomination submitted by the Manila International Film Festival (MIFF). The songstress is part of the Live Theatre/Live Performance category.
She’s joining the prestigious lineup including Emily Blunt, Rachel McAdams, Miley Cyrus, and Timothée Chalamet.
Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) shared its statement regarding the news on Instagram: “From Broadway to Disney to the global concert stage, Lea has been a trailblazer and a voice for generations.”
“Her impact on the world of music, theater, and film is undeniable — and her legacy continues to open doors for countless Filipino and Asian artists worldwide. This recognition is not just for her extraordinary talent, but for everything she represents: excellence, integrity, and cultural pride,” it added.
Celebrities with Filipino heritage had received the Hollywood star before, such as singer-songwriter Bruno Mars, rapper Apl.de.ap, and comedian Rob Schneider, making Salonga the first Filipino woman to have the spot at the Hollywood landmark.
The singer-actress shared her excitement in an Instagram story on July 3, saying, “Just woke up to this bit of amazing news. To the Manila International Filmfest, many thanks for nominating me as part of the class of 2025-2026!”
Lea was the singing voice of two Disney princesses—Jasmine in Aladdin and Mulan in Mulan. She’s been applauded for her Broadway theatre performances in Miss Saigon, Les Misérables, Here Lies Love, and Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends.
The 35 celebrity honorees were selected by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce’s Walk of Fame selection panel from hundreds of nominations. Their selections were approved by the Chamber’s board of directors.
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