On September 4th, Filipino singer and actress Lea Salonga was recognized on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her various accomplishments. Fans gathered to celebrate her and the legacy she continues to uphold. What made the ceremony especially unique was the fact that Salonga was the first Filipino celebrity to be celebrated on the infamous strip.
The Story of Lea Salonga
Salonga was only seven years old when she began performing in musical theatre in the Philippines. Although she began studying biology at Ateneo de Manila University, she quickly changed paths as her international theater career took off. She began her Broadway career in the early 1990s, starring in Miss Saigon and Les Misérables. When Salonga turned 28, she moved to New York City to prioritize her on-stage career in the United States.
D23 states that in 1992 Salonga debuted as a voice artist, taking on all of Princess Jasmine’s singing parts in Disney’s original animated film, Aladdin. She returned later, in 1998, to provide the singing voice for Fa Mulan in both original animated films. Although Salonga did not voice the characters throughout the entire film, she received the titled of “Disney Legend” in 2011.
According to the Mayo Performing Arts Center, Salonga has recently acted in many projects, including Sony’s Yellow Rose, Netflix’s Centaurworld, and HBO’s Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin. She continues to release music and will soon be performing live at the Sydney Opera House.
Breaking the Barriers in Hollywood
Salonga’s Filipino heritage has greatly impacted society in many ways. Not only is she proudly representing a misinterpreted and underrepresented culture, but she is also breaking racial barriers throughout various fields of media. She was one of the first actresses of Asian descent to act in a production as popular as Les Misérables, and win a Tony Award. She worked her way to the top and eventually became the first Filipina to gain a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!
She continues to inspire and culturally impact individuals of all ages. A Filipina representing various characters inspires other Filipino citizens to step into show business. Salonga’s story encourages people of all kinds to fight for their dreams no matter their heritage, age, or culture.
Hollywood’s First Filipina on the Walk
Salonga may have been the 2855th celebrity to be acknowledged on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but her ceremony was one of a kind–just like her! The ceremony not only highlighted all of Salonga’s accomplishments, but also recognized her as the very first Filipina on the Walk.
In her acceptance speech, Salonga stated, “I also can’t stand here today without thinking about where I come from. When I began my career, I didn’t see very many people who looked like me doing the things I dreamed of doing on the world’s biggest stages and screens…And over the years, I have watched the world begin to change. Not enough. Not completely. But it has changed…I hope that someday, a young Filipino kid comes to Hollywood, sees my name, and thinks, ‘Oh, maybe I can get here too.’”
After thanking various individuals and highlighting her culture, Salonga ended her speech by saying, “Maraming maraming salamat,” which translates to “Thank you very, very much.” Her work continues to impact many, and Salonga continues to inspire us all.
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