Biography
Who is Lea Salonga?
Early life and education
Lea Salonga was born Maria Ligaya Carmen Imutan Salonga on February 22, 1971, in Manila, Philippines. She grew up in the Philippines and lived in Angeles City before her family moved to Quezon City and later San Juan. Her father, Feliciano Genuino Salonga Jr., served as a rear admiral in the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary and chaired the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. Her mother is Maria Ligaya Alcantara Imutan.
Her family includes her brother Gerard Salonga, who works as a composer and musical arranger. For her schooling, she attended the Operation Brotherhood Montessori Center for her primary and secondary years. She later attended the University of the Philippines and Fordham University.
How Lea became famous
Lea began her professional stage career at age seven in a production of The King and I. By age ten, she released her first Gold-certified album titled Small Voice in 1981. She also appeared in various films during her youth, including Tropang Bulilit and Like Father, Like Son.
Her international breakthrough occurred in 1989 when she originated the role of Kim in the West End production of Miss Saigon. She moved this performance to Broadway in 1991, which earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. This achievement made her the first Asian actress to win a Tony in that category.
Music and Disney career
Beyond the stage, Lea Salonga became a major voice in Disney animation. She provided the singing voice for Princess Jasmine in the 1992 film Aladdin. She also voiced Mulan in the 1998 film Mulan and its 2004 sequel, Mulan II.
Her recording career includes several successful albums such as the Platinum-certified Lea released in 1993. She has also produced holiday music with albums like Sounding Joy, which was released in 2024. Her musical style spans genres including contemporary R&B, classical music, and musical theatre.
Awards and recognition
Throughout her career, Lea Salonga has received numerous prestigious honors. She has won a Laurence Olivier Award, a Tony Award, and a Drama Desk Award. She was also named a Disney Legend in 2011 for her contributions to the studio.
In her home country, she has earned 15 Aliw Awards and a FAMAS Award. The Philippine government has recognized her with the Presidential Merit Award and the Congressional Medal of Achievement. In 2026, she became the first Filipino to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Birthday and age
Lea Salonga was born on February 22, 1971, which makes Lea 55 years old today. That birthday falls under the Pisces sign. Lea shares the date with 56 other famous people.
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