Long way from ‘Saigon’: Lea lands on Hollywood ‘Walk of Fame’
At first she sang of the sun and moon—and by the gods of fortune, Lea Salonga now has a star.
Not that she isn’t already one. But on July 3 (PH time), with the announcement of her inclusion in the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2026, Salonga will further cement her legacy—quite literally—in bronze and terrazzo on Hollywood Boulevard, whose hallowed pavement bears the names of theater and music legends like Barbra Streisand, Julie Andrews, Rita Moreno, and Audra McDonald.
From originating the role of Kim in “Miss Saigon,” to her many formidable outings on Broadway and the West End, and to the Disney princesses she immortalized with her crystalline voice, Salonga has long shone as an icon, not only in the Philippines but also on the global stage.
Now, nominated by the Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) and selected by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce (HCC)—the organization that oversees the Walk of Fame—Salonga will become the first Filipino born and raised in the Philippines to earn this honor.
Other artists with Filipino roots who have received a star include Bruno Mars (2016), apl.de.ap (2016), and Rob Schneider (2011).
“Just woke up to this bit of amazing news!” Salonga, who falls under the Live Theater/Live Performance category, wrote in an Instagram story posted yesterday. Her fellow “classmates” include Timothée Chalamet, Marion Cotillard, Rachel McAdams, Chef Gordon Ramsay, and Shaquille O’Neal.
“Lea has been a trailblazer and a voice for generations ... 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,” the MIFF said in a statement.
Historic firsts
Over the past 40 years, Salonga has built an unassailable body of work and a legacy marked by historic firsts and world-class artistry across theater and film. For her breakthrough performance in “Miss Saigon,” Salonga became the first Asian to win Best Actress in a Musical at both the Laurence Olivier Awards (1990) and the Tony Awards (1991).
On film, her singing brought to life two Disney princesses: Jasmine (“Aladdin,” 1992) and Mulan (“Mulan,” 1998), roles that eventually earned her the Disney Legend award in 2011.
Beyond “Miss Saigon,” Salonga has starred in acclaimed musicals, such as “Les Misérables,” “Flower Drum Song,” “Allegiance,” “Here Lies Love,” “Once on This Island,” and more recently, “Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends.”
Outside theater, she has appeared in international television series like “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” (2016) and “Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin” (2022), and has held concerts at iconic venues, such as Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House, and the Royal Albert Hall.
Earning a star, therefore, was not a matter of if, but when—and how. Believing the recognition was “long overdue,” the MIFF submitted Salonga’s name to the HCC for consideration in the 2026 batch. Regarded as the international arm of the Metro Manila Film Festival, the MIFF champions Filipino films in Hollywood, which in turn gives Filipino talent greater visibility on the world stage—making Salonga’s star all the more relevant.
“Lea has become a highly respected veteran in entertainment … We at the MIFF felt it was about time that she got a star on the Hollywood “Walk of Fame,” MIFF chair Omen Ortiz told the Inquirer. “It’s the perfect time, since she had just finished her participation in the much-lauded ‘Old Friends,’ which took her back to the West End, Broadway, and Los Angeles.”
Iconic LA landmark
An iconic Los Angeles landmark, the Walk of Fame—which spans 15 blocks along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street—hosts more than 2,800 stars, each honoring an artist in film, television, recording, radio, live theater, and sports with at least five years of experience and a proven history of professional excellence.
Each year, the HCC reviews hundreds of nominations submitted by fans and organizations. Once chosen, honorees—or their official sponsors—must pay a fee that covers the cost of star installation and maintenance.
“The MIFF filled out the nomination form for Lea and submitted all the required documents and the application fee,” Ortiz said. “The HCC is rigorous in its selection process, taking special consideration of a nominee’s experience in the entertainment field and significant contributions to the community.”
The exact location and date of the star unveiling is yet to be determined but will likely take place next year. Honorees have two years to schedule the ceremony. “The HCC is the one that schedules the ceremony in coordination with the talents’ schedules,” he said.
Ortiz added: “Lea’s selection reflects the rising presence of Filipino talents around the world. As a film festival in Hollywood, the MIFF celebrates artists like Lea who have conquered various media platforms.”
