Lea Salonga
Who was Lea Salonga?
Tony Award-winning Filipino singer and actress who originated the role of Kim in Miss Saigon and provided the singing voice of Princess Jasmine in Disney's Aladdin.
Biographical data adapted from Wikipedia’s article on Lea Salonga (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Biography
Lea Salonga, born on February 22, 1971, in Manila, Philippines, is one of the most celebrated Filipino performers internationally. She started her career at age seven in Manila's theater scene, quickly gaining recognition for her impressive vocal range and acting skills. Her big break came in 1989 with the original London production of Miss Saigon, playing the role of Kim at just 18. This role won her the Laurence Olivier Award and later a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical when the show moved to Broadway in 1991, making her the first Asian woman to win a Tony. After Miss Saigon, she became the singing voice of Princess Jasmine in Disney's 1992 animated film Aladdin, singing the Academy Award-winning song "A Whole New World." She continued with Disney as the singing voice for Fa Mulan in the 1998 film Mulan and its sequel. Throughout the '90s and 2000s, she stayed active in recording, releasing several albums showcasing her range across different music styles. Her stage work included notable roles in Les Misérables as both Éponine and Fantine at different times. Besides performing, Salonga has been a television host, a judge on singing competitions, and a columnist for various publications. She received many honors, including being named a Disney Legend in 2011.
Before Fame
Salonga grew up in a musical family in Manila and started performing at a very young age. She went to Operation Brotherhood Montessori Center and later attended Ateneo de Manila University before transferring to the University of the Philippines. Early in her career, she appeared in local theater productions and TV shows in the Philippines during the 1980s. At 17, she auditioned for "Miss Saigon" in a global talent search led by producer Cameron Mackintosh. Being chosen for this role kicked off her international career and established her as a major talent in musical theater. She later finished her education at Fordham University in New York while pursuing her Broadway career.
Key Achievements
- First Asian woman to win a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for Miss Saigon (1991)
- Originated the role of Kim in Miss Saigon in both London and Broadway productions
- Provided singing voices for Disney Princesses Jasmine and Mulan in animated films
- Won the Laurence Olivier Award for Miss Saigon in London's West End (1990)
- Named a Disney Legend in 2011 for her contributions to Disney animated films
Did You Know?
- 01.She performed the duet "A Whole New World" at the 1993 Academy Awards ceremony with Brad Kane
- 02.Her younger brother Gerard Salonga is also a accomplished musician and conductor who has worked on several Disney productions
- 03.She was coached by veteran Broadway performer Bernadette Peters during her preparation for Miss Saigon
- 04.She has performed for multiple heads of state including concerts for U.S. Presidents and at state functions in the Philippines
- 05.She was discovered for Miss Saigon when she was working as a backup singer and performer in Manila's music scene