HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME

Filipino Broadway icon Lea Salonga is set to make history as she will be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2026, becoming the first Filipino celebrity to receive a star on the renowned California landmark in 65 years. While other male celebrities of Filipino heritage, such as Bruno Mars, Apl.de.ap, and Rob Schneider, have previously been recognized, Salonga’s star marks a significant milestone for Filipina representation.

The 54-year-old multifaceted artist is one of two individuals selected in the Live Theatre/Live Performance category for the upcoming year, alongside comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias.

Salonga’s illustrious career took off with her groundbreaking role as Kim in the hit musical ‘Miss Saigon,’ where she won auditions at just 17 years old. Her performance earned her a Tony Award and a Laurence Olivier Award. She has also received a Grammy Award nomination and was inducted as a Disney Legend in 2011 for providing the singing voices of Princess Jasmine in ‘Aladdin’ and Mulan in ‘Mulan.’ Her extensive stage work also includes acclaimed performances in ‘Les Misérables’ and ‘Here Lies Love.’

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce announced the “Class of 2026” honorees during a press conference on July 2. The selections were made by the Walk of Fame selection panel from hundreds of nominations received during a meeting on June 20 and subsequently ratified by the Chamber’s board of directors on June 25. The Manila International Film Festival, which nominated Salonga, was among the first to celebrate her selection, praising her as “a trailblazer and a voice for generations” whose “impact on the world of music, theater, and film is undeniable.”

Other notable figures slated to receive stars in the Class of 2026 include Miley Cyrus, Timothée Chalamet, Demi Moore, Emily Blunt, Gordon Ramsay, and Shaquille O’Neal. Posthumous stars will be awarded to filmmaker Tony Scott and special effects artist Carlo Rambaldi.

Peter Roth, chairman of the Walk of Fame selection committee, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming class. “These talented individuals have made significant contributions to the world of entertainment, and we are thrilled to honor them with this well-deserved recognition,” he stated.

Specific dates for the star ceremonies have not yet been scheduled. Recipients typically have two years from the date of selection to arrange their dedication events. The Hollywood Walk of Fame, a series of embedded terrazzo and brass stars, is located along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street in Los Angeles, California.