Posted by ReyFort Media
1st Filipina to receive Hollywood Walk of Fame star
MANILA, Philippines — It’s official: Lea Salonga is the first Filipina to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
After being included in the 2026 class of honorees, a ceremony was held for the award-winning actress last September 4 (the 5th in the Philippines) at 6225 Hollywood Boulevard as the 2,855th recipient of a star.
Hundreds of fans showed up for the star unveiling, as well as special guests Ming-na Wen, Brandy, and Filipino-American artists Darren Criss and H.E.R.
“Oh my God!! It’s real!!” Lea exclaimed when her star was revealed in front of the Pantages Theatre, getting on her knees to touch her name as everyone chanted.
The actress recalled walking along Hollywood Boulevard many times and “stepping on a lot of famous people, now people get to step on me… which feels strangely appropriate for show business.”
She reflected on how a seven-year-old Lea starring in a Manila production of “The King and I” would react to getting star, wishing it was big enough to include the names of her mother Ligaya, brother Gerard, and son Nic.
Lea shouted out her years-long supporters and the industry professionals who’ve both guided or worked with her, paving the way for other Filipinos to make it big outside the Philippines.
“There are so many extraordinary Filipino and Asian artists working today, telling our stories, playing roles we once could have never imagined being offered, and creating opportunities for future generations — that means an enormous amount to me,” she said.
The honoree expressed hope that one day that young Filipinos would come to Hollywood, see her name and think, “Oh, maybe I can get here too.”
Tributes
Wen famously voiced the titular character in Disney’s “Mulan,” which featured Lea as the heroine’s singing voice, and was amazed by the reception Lea received for the ceremony.
The actress praised Lea’s “big, bright, gorgeous smile that lights up a room, radiating with so much love and warmth,” and even made references to “Mulan” songs “Reflection” and “Be A Man.”
She note Lea’s historically becoming the first Asian woman to win an acting Tony for “Miss Saigon” and how she inspired others like Wen to have a go at Western showbiz.
“I know, and I hope you know, that your real legacy lives in the people you have inspired, the performers who found courage because of you, the millions of fans who found joy in your music, and the communities who see themselves represented in your success,” Wen added.
Brandy, who played a version of Disney’s Cinderella opposite another Fil-Am Paolo Montalban, similarly praised Lea’s voice as “a doorway, mirror, and home that reaches hearts and souls.”
“Her voice told millions of children ‘You are not outside of the magic, you are within it, a part of it,’” she added.
The singer-actress humorously reflected on having difficulty keeping up with Lea during their recent Disney Princess performance of “A Whole New World” from “Aladdin,” as Lea also provided the singing voice for Princess Jasmine.
The barong-clad Criss, a Tony winner like Lea, hailed the honoree as royalty in Disney, Broadway, and the Philippines — the three things that raised him.
Criss further commended the hard work she put in to go along with her talent, the devotion Lea puts into supporting Nic, and “aversion to compliments to instead self-deprecate herself.”
“Lea, you have always been and will always be an unmatched force to be reckoned with,” an emotional Criss said, stressing how historic it was for a “100% homegrown Filipino” to be on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. (K. Purnell/ Philstar)
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CAPTION: Lea Salonga officially receives her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, making her the first Filipina to receive the prestigious honor. In her acceptance speech, Lea brought her trademark humor to the historic moment, joking about how she had walked on many Hollywood stars along the boulevard, and now people can walk on hers. But perhaps her most powerful message came at the end: “What an extraordinary journey this has been. And the best part is, I’m not done yet.”
PHOTO/S: Walk of Fame YouTube
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