Tony Award winner Lea Salonga will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday, becoming the first Filipina to receive the honor. Salonga is recognized for her work in musical theater, including originating the role of Kim in “Miss Saigon,” and for voicing Princess Jasmine in “Aladdin” and Fa Mulan in Disney’s “Mulan” films. She is also appearing in DreamWorks Animation’s upcoming film, “Forgotten Island,” which focuses on Philippine mythology.
Salonga expressed surprise at receiving the star, stating, “Most of my work is in musical theater…it’s not something that I thought would actually happen.” She earned an Olivier Award for her performance in “Miss Saigon” and, in 1991, became the first Asian actress to win a Tony Award, and the second-youngest actress to win for best performance by a leading actress in a musical. She was 17 years old when she landed the role, auditioning with “On My Own” from “Les Misérables” and “The Greatest Love of All.” She recalled being told, “You’re in the show, but we don’t know what role we’re going to give you,” but insisted she would only accept the part of Kim.
While working on “Miss Saigon” in the early 90s, Salonga was also cast as the singing voice of Princess Jasmine in “Aladdin.” Stage management accommodated her schedule, giving her nights off to record. Salonga noted that given the success of “Little Mermaid” and “Beauty and the Beast,” the production team anticipated “Aladdin” would also be a hit.
Her latest project, “Forgotten Island,” is a DreamWorks Animation film set in the Philippines. Salonga explained, “It centers on my culture…We get to share our mythological creatures with the bigger world. I don’t think it’s something that I ever thought I would have seen.” She also is a fierce LGBTQ+ ally.
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