Lea Salonga to receive Hollywood Walk of Fame star on September 4

MANILA, Philippines — Broadway and international theater icon Lea Salonga is set to make history as the first Filipina to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

According to a post by Variety on Instagram, Lea will be honored with the prestigious star on September 4, marking a milestone in her decades-long career.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce previously announced that Salonga is part of the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2026 in the Live Theatre/Live Performance category.

Her star will be the 2,855th on the famed Hollywood landmark and will be dedicated at 6225 Hollywood Boulevard, in front of the Pantages Theatre, at 11:30 a.m. Pacific Time, according to the announcement released by the Hollywood Chamber. Actress and fellow “Mulan” voice performer Ming-Na Wen is expected to join the ceremony.

 

 

 

 

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Lea’s upcoming recognition adds another major achievement to an already historic career.

She became internationally renowned for originating the role of Kim in the musical “Miss Saigon,” a performance that earned her the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, as well as Olivier, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards. She also became widely known as the singing voice of Princess Jasmine in Disney's “Aladdin” and Fa Mulan in “Mulan.”

The Manila International Film Festival (MIFF), which nominated lea for the Hollywood Walk of Fame, described her as a trailblazer whose career has inspired generations of Filipino and Asian artists.

The honor will also coincide with another major tribute to Salonga.

The MIFF will honor her with its Icon Award during its closing night gala on September 6 at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California. The festival will also screen two films from Lea’s filmography — Olivia Lamasan's 1995 romantic drama “Sana Maulit Muli,” opposite Aga Muhlach, and “The Vale: Origins.”

Lea’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony comes at a time when Filipino representation on the iconic boulevard continues to grow. Filipino heritage stars including Bruno Mars and Apl.de.Ap have previously been honored, while Lea’s recognition marks a historic first for a Filipina.

For Filipinos, Lea’s Hollywood star represents not only her personal accomplishments but also decades of Filipino talent making its mark on the international stage.

RELATED: 'Forgotten Island,' Lea Salonga retrospective among MIFF 2026 lineup