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Lea Salonga

Birth Place: Manila, PHILIPPINES

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BIO

LEA SALONGA is best known for her Tony Award-winning role in Miss Saigon. In addition to the Tony, she won the Olivier, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, Theatre World Awards, Time100 Impact Award from Time Magazine, and the Gold Legend Award from Gold House. Most recently, Lea starred in the West End production of Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends, and as Aurora in Here Lies Love on Broadway, which she also produced. Lea was also the first Asian to play Eponine in the musical Les Misérables on Broadway and returned to the show as Fantine in the 2006 revival. She will next appear on Broadway in Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends at Manhattan Theatre Club. Fans of all ages recognize Lea as the singing voice of Princess Jasmine from Aladdin and Fa Mulan for Mulan and Mulan II. For her portrayal of the beloved princesses, the Walt Disney Company bestowed her with the honor of “Disney Legend.” She has released 14 albums – including her latest recording, Sounding Joy – and toured all over the globe, performing sold-out concerts in landmark venues. Salonga’s talents extend to the screen, where she can be seen on MAX’s “Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin” and Sony’s “Yellow Rose” and heard on Netflix’s “Centaurworld” and FX’s “Little Demon.”


Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2025
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2023
Aurora Aquino [Replacement]

[Los Angeles]
Hollywood Bowl Production, 2018
Grace Farrell

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival Production, 2017
Erzulie [Replacement]

Erzulie

[International Tour]
Manila Return Engagement, 2017
Helen

[International Tour]
International Premiere in Manila, 2016
Helen

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2015
Kei Kimura

[Broadway]
Return Engagement [Broadway], 2006
Fantine [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2002
Mei-Li

[Broadway]
Richard Rodgers 100th Birthday Celebration, 2002
"Love, Look Away" Performer

[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 1991
Kim

Kim [Replacement]

Kim [Replacement]

Kim

[West End]
Original London Production, 1989
Kim

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1987
Eponine [Replacement]

Productions

 
[Broadway, 2023]
Producer

Movies

Tropang bulilit
[ 1981 ] Lisa
Like Father, Like Son
[ 1985 ] Angela
Captain Barbell
[ 1986 ] Rosemarie
Ninja Kids and the Samurai Sword
[ 1986 ] Yoko
My Neighbor Totoro
[ 1988 ] Mrs. Kusakabe
Aladdin
[ 1992 ] Jasmine's Singing Voice
Second Chances
[ 1995 ] Agnes
Mulan
[ 1998 ] Mulan's Singing Voice
Les Misérables in Concert: The 25th Anniversary
[ 2010 ] Fantine
George Takei's Allegiance
[ 2016 ] Kei Kimura
Miss Saigon: 25th Anniversary
[ 2016 ]
Yellow Rose
[ 2019 ] Gail

TV Shows

Les Misérables the Dream Cast in Concert
Eponine
Redwood Curtain
Geri Riordan
ER
Amparo
Sofia the First
[ 2013-2014 ] Mulan, Jasmine
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Aunt Myrna
Little Demon
Amalia, Dia
Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin
Elodie Honrada
Does This Murder Make Me Look Gay?!
Lea Salonga
Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin
[ 2022-2024 ] Elodie Honrada
Firebuds
Yolanda Yamada

Awards and Nominations


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2018 - Best Featured Actress in a Musical

Lea Salonga, Once on this Island


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2016 - Best Leading Actress in a Musical

Lea Salonga, Allegiance


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1991 - Outstanding Actress - Musical

Lea Salonga, Miss Saigon


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1991 - Best Actress - Musical

Lea Salonga, Miss Saigon


winner
Theatre World Awards - 1991 - Performance

Lea Salonga, Miss Saigon


winner
Tony Awards - 1991 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Lea Salonga , Miss Saigon


winner
Olivier Awards - 1990 - Outstanding Performance of the Year by an Actress in a Musical

Lea Salonga, Miss Saigon

Videos

News


Video: Watch Lea Salonga Read a Letter to Her 17-Year-Old Self on CBS MORNINGS
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 26, 2025

In a Women's History Month edition of 'Note to Self' on CBS, Lea Salonga wrote a heartfelt letter to her 17-year-old self, reflecting on her journey from the Philippines to Broadway and more. Watch it now!
STARS IN THE HOUSE Will Return with Game Night, Passover Concert, and More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 26, 2025

Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley Jackson's “Stars in the House” will return to regular programming beginning this week. Learn more about upcoming programming and see how to tune in.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld March 26, 2025
by - Mar 26, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is March 26, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS Extends for Two More Weeks
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 25, 2025

Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends, starring two-time Tony Award winner Bernadette Peters and Tony Award winner Lea Salonga, has extended for two more weeks. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Photos: Andrew Rannells, Nikki M. James & More in FINN Benefit Concert
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 18, 2025

Stars in the House just commemorated its fifth anniversary with a very special live, and of course livestreamed, show, teaming up with FINN creators Chris Nee, Michael Kooman, and Christopher Dimond to present a star-studded one-night-only concert performance of FINN. Check out photos from the concert here!
Video: FINN Takes the Stage at Town Hall
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 17, 2025

Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley Jackson teamed up with FINN creators Chris Nee, Michael Kooman, and Christopher Dimond to present a one-night-only performance that also celebrated the fifth anniversary of Stars in the House. Watch the full show here!
Lea Salonga to Join HARMONY as Special Guest
by Emmy Rice - Mar 16, 2025

Ms. Salonga will be on hand to present the Gary Miller Award to honoree George Takei for his decades of work and activism. Check here for more details.
MCC Will Release Miscast Album Featuring Aaron Tveit, Jeremy Jordan and More
by Stephi Wild - Mar 14, 2025

A new album featuring some of the best Miscast performances from years' past will be released this month! MCC Theater's Miscast: The Studio Sessions will be released on March 28.
Video: Watch Bernadette Peters Sing 'Broadway Baby' on THE TONIGHT SHOW
by Michael Major - Mar 13, 2025

Bernadette Peters sat down on the Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon last night to discuss returning to Broadway in Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends. Watch the video of her bursting into a rendition of 'Broadway Baby.'
Michael Urie, Charlotte D'Amboise, Nina West & More Join FINN Performance at Town Hall
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 12, 2025

Michael Urie, Charlotte D’Amboise, Nina West, Peppermint, Adam Pascal, Brenda Braxton, and Zachary Noah Piser have joined the star-studded cast of the special performance of FINN taking place on Monday, March 17.
Video: Watch Lea Salonga Perform 'Edelweiss' From MCC MISCAST24
by Michael Major - Mar 10, 2025

Watch a video of Lea Salonga sing 'Edelweiss' from the musical The Sound of Music at MCC Theater's MISCAST24. Miscast features stars of stage and screen who take the stage to perform songs from roles in which they would not traditionally be cast.
INTO THE WOODS Starring Lea Salonga Extends Run in the Philippines
by Stephi Wild - Mar 10, 2025

The production of Into The Woods in the Philippines will extend its run! The production, starring Lea Salonga, has added additional performances due to demand.   Additional show dates will be revealed on March 14.
2025 Broadway Awards Season Calendar- All the Dates to Remember
by Sidney Paterra - Mar 8, 2025

The 2025 theatre awards season is here and keeping track of all of the important dates for the many ceremonies and their corresponding nomination announcements is no easy feat. Stay up to date on all the need-to-know facts with BroadwayWorld's full Awards Season Calendar below!
SHREK THE MUSICAL JR. to be Presented at the Ahmanson Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 7, 2025

Center Theatre Group and Pasadena Playhouse will present a special, one-night-only, benefit performance of Altadena and Eliot Arts Magnet’s production of Shrek The Musical JR. Learn how to attend.
Sarah Hyland & Orville Peck to Reveal 2025 Drama League Award Nominations
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 4, 2025

Stage and screen actress Sarah Hyland and award-winning country music star Orville Peck will co-host the 2025 Drama League Awards Nominations announcement. Learn more and see how to tune in!
LES MISERABLES THE ARENA SPECTACULAR Adds Performances in Sydney and Melbourne
by Stephi Wild - Mar 3, 2025

Due to demand, extra performances have been added in Australia for LES MISÉRABLES THE ARENA SPECTACULAR! The World Tour arrives at the ICC Sydney Theatre on 30 April 2025.
FINN Musical Will Be Performed at Town Hall Following Kennedy Center Tour Cancellation
by Stephi Wild - Feb 26, 2025

A special performance of Finn is coming to the Town Hall in New York City next month, presented by Stars in the House. Finn was originally set to be performed at the Kennedy Center but was recently cancelled.
Up on the Marquee: STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS
by Jennifer Broski - Feb 26, 2025

Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends, starring two-time Tony Award winner Bernadette Peters and Tony Award winner Lea Salonga, is coming to Broadway! Check out photos of the new broadway marquee here.
Video: Lea Salonga Performs 'Reflection' From MULAN With TikTok Stars Jonathan Tilkin and Anthony Gargiula
by Stephi Wild - Feb 24, 2025

Broadway's Lea Salonga teamed up with TikTok stars Jonathan Tilkin and Anthony Gargiula to perform a rendition of 'Reflection', a song which she sang as the voice of Mulan in the 1998 Disney animated film.
Review: OLD FRIENDS at Ahmanson Theatre
by Evan Henerson - Feb 20, 2025

To watch these singers perform these numbers is to dream about entire revivals of Sondheim shows built around some of these actors, maybe even productions that have their genesis at the Ahmanson.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Lea Salonga been in?

Lea Salonga has appeared on Broadway in 9 shows.

How many West End shows has Lea Salonga been in?

Lea Salonga has appeared on London's West End in 2 shows.

What was Lea Salonga's first West End show?

Lea Salonga's first West End show was Miss Saigon which opened in 1989

What awards has Lea Salonga been nominated for?

Best Featured Actress in a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Once on this Island, Best Leading Actress in a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Allegiance, Outstanding Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Miss Saigon, Best Actress - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Miss Saigon, Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Miss Saigon, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Miss Saigon and Outstanding Performance of the Year by an Actress in a Musical (Olivier Awards) for Miss Saigon.

What awards has Lea Salonga won?

Lea Salonga has won several prestigious awards, including Best Featured Actress in a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Once on this Island, Best Leading Actress in a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Allegiance, and Outstanding Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Miss Saigon. Additionally, she received the Best Actress - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for her role in Miss Saigon and the Performance recognition (Theatre World Awards) also for Miss Saigon. She won Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Miss Saigon and Outstanding Performance of the Year by an Actress in a Musical (Olivier Awards) for the same production.

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