Broadway icon and international performer Lea Salonga is set to make history as the first Filipina to be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The award-winning singer and actress will join an illustrious Class of 2026, which includes global stars like Miley Cyrus, Timothée Chalamet, Rami Malek, and Emily Blunt. Salonga is the only honoree recognized in the Live Theatre/Live Performance category, sharing it with comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias.
Her selection marks a proud milestone for the Filipino community, following in the footsteps of Filipino-heritage artists like Bruno Mars, Apl.de.ap, and Rob Schneider who have also been honored in previous years.
The announcement sparked celebrations across the Filipino and Asian artistic circles. The Manila International Film Festival, which nominated Salonga, praised her on social media: “From Broadway to Disney to the global concert stage, Lea has been a trailblazer and a voice for generations… Her legacy continues to open doors for countless Filipino and Asian artists worldwide.”
In an Instagram story, Salonga expressed her gratitude to the festival for putting her name forward for the honor.
Walk of Fame committee chair Peter Roth also acknowledged the caliber of the 2026 honorees, saying, “These talented individuals have made significant contributions to the world of entertainment, and we are thrilled to honor them with this well-deserved recognition.”
Salonga’s extraordinary career spans decades — from her Tony-winning performance in Miss Saigon to voicing beloved Disney princesses Jasmine and Mulan. She became a Disney Legend in 2011 and holds prestigious Philippine honors including the Presidential Medal of Merit and the Order of Lakandula.
Recipients have two years to schedule their star unveiling ceremony, with event dates typically announced on the Walk of Fame website closer to the dedication.
