Lea Salonga is set to cement her legacy—literally and figuratively—as she joins the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2026, making her the first Filipina to receive a star on the iconic Los Angeles boulevard.
Announced on July 2 (Los Angeles time) by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, Salonga is one of 35 new honorees who will be immortalized for their contributions to entertainment.
She was selected under the Live Theater/Live Performance category, joining a diverse group that includes global names such as Miley Cyrus, Shakira, Chadwick Boseman (posthumously), Jane Fonda, and Timothée Chalamet.
Salonga’s recognition, as the first Filipina to get this, marks a milestone both in her career and for Filipino representation in global entertainment.
She becomes the fourth Filipino overall to earn a star, following the likes of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao in the International Boxing Hall of Fame category and singer apl.de.ap of Black Eyed Peas. The other recognized Filipinos in the Hollywood roster are Rob Schneider and Bruno Mars.
In an Instagram post following the announcement, Salonga called it “a huge honor” and admitted she was “completely stunned” when she got the call. She also thanked her fans and supporters, saying, “You all made this happen.”
Salonga first made international waves as the original Kim in Miss Saigon on London’s West End and Broadway—a role that earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical in 1991. She later became the singing voice behind two Disney princesses: Jasmine in Aladdin and Mulan in the animated film of the same name.
Beyond her accolades, Salonga continues to shape the future of theater. She recently starred in and produced Here Lies Love on Broadway, a groundbreaking musical featuring an all-Filipino cast and creative team.
According to the Walk of Fame selection rules, honorees have up to two years to schedule their star-unveiling ceremony. That means Salonga’s ceremony could take place at any time between now and 2027, depending on her availability and coordination with the Chamber of Commerce.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame receives hundreds of nominations annually, but only a select few are approved by the Walk of Fame committee based on professional achievements, community impact, and longevity. Each honoree or their sponsor also covers the approximate $75,000 installation fee, which goes toward the creation, placement, and long-term maintenance of the star.
Salonga’s inclusion reflects a broader shift in who gets recognized on Hollywood’s most famous sidewalk—a nod to global talent, cultural diversity, and contributions beyond the traditional borders of American media.
Whether you’re a fan of Broadway, Disney classics, or Filipino excellence on the world stage, Lea Salonga’s star is a long-deserved recognition that adds a new kind of brilliance to the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
