Lea Salonga makes history as first Filipino to get Hollywood Walk of Fame star

Broadway icon wears a pearl-embellished Rajo Laurel creation while accepting her historic Walk of Fame star.

The Philippines once again has a reason to celebrate as Broadway icon Lea Salonga made history as the first Filipino to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Adding to the significance of the milestone was the custom creation she wore for the occasion by acclaimed Filipino fashion designer Rajo Laurel, who proudly celebrated Lea’s achievement on social media.

“Congratulations! To our dear @/msleasalonga who is truly our Philippine national treasure.

“I couldn’t be more proud to call you a friend. To be the very first Filipino to have her STAR in Hollywood’s WALK OF FAME is another testament to your incredible talent! Thank you for choosing to wear us on this historical occasion. Lea is wearing a Royal purple tailored ensemble hand embellished with Philippine seed pearls in a ‘Yakan’ motif,” Rajo wrote.

The royal purple tailored ensemble, embellished by hand with Philippine seed pearls in a Yakan-inspired motif, added a distinctly Filipino touch to Lea’s Hollywood Walk of Fame moment. More than a red-carpet look, it became a celebration of Filipino artistry and heritage.

Meanwhile, the Filipina legendary star shared in her speech: “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 new opportunities for future generations. That means an enormous amount to me. I hope that someday, a young Filipino kid comes to Hollywood, sees my name, and thinks, maybe I can get here, too.”

Lea became the 2,855th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was honored under the Live Performance category, adding another milestone to her remarkable international career.

She rose to global prominence through her acclaimed Broadway performances and as the singing voice of Disney’s Jasmine in “Aladdin” and Mulan in “Mulan.” A Disney Legend, she has also performed on major international stages, including Hong Kong Disneyland’s 20th anniversary concert.

Despite her global success, Lea remains connected to Philippine theater. In 2025, she played The Witch in the local production of “Into the Woods” and earlier this year joined “Les Misérables: The World Tour Spectacular” as Madame Thénardier.

Her Hollywood Walk of Fame star celebrates not only her decades-long career but also Filipino talent and artistry on the international stage.

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