Lea Salonga becomes 1st Filipina to receive Hollywood Walk of Fame star
Lea Salonga added another milestone to her decades-long career, becoming the first Filipina to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The Tony Award-winning actress and singer was honored Friday with the 2,855th star on the famed Los Angeles landmark. Salonga, 55, received the honor in the Live Performance category.
"The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome Lea Salonga to the Hollywood Walk of Fame," Walk of Fame producer Ana Martinez said in a statement announcing the honor.
Martinez called Salonga a "true trailblazer" whose career has inspired audiences around the world, adding that the recognition marks a milestone for both the Filipino community and future generations of artists.
Salonga rose to international fame after originating the role of Kim in the musical "Miss Saigon," a performance that earned her the Tony Award for best actress in a musical in 1991. The win made Salonga the first Asian woman to receive a Tony Award.
Salonga is also known to generations of Disney fans as the singing voice of Princess Jasmine in the 1992 animated film "Aladdin." She later provided the singing voice of the title character in Disney's 1998 animated film "Mulan."
Salonga's Walk of Fame ceremony brought together several fellow performers to celebrate her career and its impact on Asian and Filipino representation in entertainment.
Brandy, Ming-Na Wen and Darren Criss delivered remarks during the ceremony, according to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Grammy and Academy Award-winning musician H.E.R. was also in attendance.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame celebrated Salonga's achievement on Instagram, calling the ceremony a historic moment and highlighting the legacy she has created for Filipino and Asian artists in entertainment.
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