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Lea Salonga

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Article Genealogy
Parent: Philippines Hop 3
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Lea Salonga
NameLea Salonga
CaptionSalonga in 2019
Birth nameMaria Lea Carmen Imutan Salonga
Birth date22 February 1971
Birth placeErmita, Manila, Philippines
OccupationSinger, actress
Years active1978–present
SpouseRobert Charles Chien, 2004
AwardsTony Award, Olivier Award, Drama Desk Award

Lea Salonga is a Filipina singer and actress acclaimed as a preeminent talent in musical theatre. She achieved international stardom for her iconic performance as Kim in the musical Miss Saigon, winning the Tony Award, Olivier Award, and Drama Desk Award. Salonga is also celebrated globally as the singing voice of two Disney Princesses, Jasmine in Aladdin and Mulan in Mulan. Her career spans decades across Broadway, the West End, film, and recording, establishing her as a cultural icon of the Philippines.

Early life and education

Maria Lea Carmen Imutan Salonga was born in the Ermita district of Manila. She demonstrated prodigious talent from a very young age, beginning her professional career as a child performer on Philippine television. Salonga appeared on shows like The Ronnie Henares Show and Germspesyal, quickly becoming a recognizable figure. Her early foray into recording included the release of her first studio album, Small Voice, which achieved platinum status in the Philippines. She balanced her burgeoning career with her education, eventually attending O.B. Montessori Center and later studying Biology at Ateneo de Manila University before her theatrical breakthrough demanded her full attention.

Career

Salonga's career catapulted to global prominence in 1989 when she was cast as the lead in the West End production of Miss Saigon, a role she reprised on Broadway. This success led to her being cast by Disney to provide the singing voice for Princess Jasmine in Aladdin, including the Oscar-winning song "A Whole New World". She later voiced Mulan for Mulan, singing the anthem "Reflection". On stage, she has starred in major revivals such as Les Misérables as Éponine, Flower Drum Song, Cinderella, and Allegiance. She has also served as a judge on the Philippine television series The Voice of the Philippines and performed in prestigious venues worldwide, including Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera House.

Personal life

Salonga married Robert Charles Chien, a Mandarin Chinese-Japanese financial consultant, in 2004. The couple resides in Manila with their daughter. She is known for her philanthropic work, actively supporting various charities and advocacy groups in the Philippines. Salonga has been open about her experiences with Postpartum depression, using her platform to raise awareness about mental health issues. A dedicated advocate for the arts, she has been involved with organizations like Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and supports educational initiatives for young Filipino performers.

Artistry and public image

Salonga possesses a Soprano voice noted for its clarity, technical precision, and emotional depth, which has made her a definitive interpreter of modern show tunes. Her public image is that of a disciplined, gracious, and highly professional artist, often referred to as the "First Filipina" to achieve major international success in theatre. She is considered a national treasure in the Philippines and a role model for Asian performers globally. Salonga's artistry is characterized by her ability to convey profound narrative through song, a skill honed across musical theatre, film scoring, and contemporary pop recordings.

Awards and recognition

Among her numerous accolades, Salonga won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical for Miss Saigon. She is the first Asian actress to win an Olivier Award. The Philippine government has honored her with the Order of Lakandula with the rank of Commander. She has received Aliw Awards, Awit Awards, and a Disney Legends award for her contributions to Disney heritage. In 2022, she was inducted into the Asia Society's Asia Game Changer Awards for her cultural impact.

Discography

Salonga has released numerous solo albums, including Lea (1993), I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing (1994), By Heart (1999), and Bahaghari (2023). Her catalog features Broadway cast recordings for Miss Saigon and Allegiance, as well as soundtrack contributions to Aladdin, Mulan, and Mulan II. She has also collaborated on albums with artists such as Brad Kane, Jose Mari Chan, and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

Filmography and stage

Her notable stage credits include Miss Saigon (Kim), Les Misérables (Éponine/Fantine), Flower Drum Song (Mei-Li), Cinderella (title role), and Allegiance (Kei Kimura). Film and television appearances encompass Aladdin (singing voice), Mulan (singing voice), Les Misérables (cameo), Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, and the Philippine films Sana Maulit Muli and Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal. She also served as a judge on The Voice of the Philippines.

Category:1971 births Category:Live''.

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