Lea Salonga received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday, becoming the first Filipina performer to earn the distinction according to FOX 11 Los Angeles. The honor recognizes her long career in musical theater and film, during which she has won major awards on both sides of the Atlantic.
The ceremony took place outside the Pantages Theatre, where the 2,855th star was unveiled. Colleagues including Brandy, Darren Criss and Ming-Na Wen attended along with fans to mark the occasion.
Born in Manila, Salonga began performing professionally at age seven and won three consecutive Aliw Awards as best child performer between 1980 and 1982. She gained worldwide attention after originating the role of Kim in the London production of Miss Saigon in 1988.
That performance led to a Laurence Olivier Award in 1990 and a Tony Award in 1991, making her the first Asian woman to win the best actress Tony. She later became the first Asian actress to play Éponine in Les Misérables on Broadway and was named a Disney Legend in 2011 for voicing Jasmine in Aladdin and the title character in Mulan.
During the ceremony Salonga described the moment as surreal, noting that she had walked the street many times before. She added that she hoped a young Filipino child visiting Hollywood would see her name and realize similar success was possible.
She is scheduled to receive the Icon Award at the Manila International Film Festival Gala at the Beverly Hilton two days after the star unveiling. Her voice will also be heard in the DreamWorks film Forgotten Island, set for release on September 25.
This report is based on coverage by FOX 11 Los Angeles: https://www.foxla.com/news/lea-salonga-first-filipina-hollywood-walk-of-fame-star