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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

Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2025
Performer
Here Lies Love Here Lies Love
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2023
Aurora Aquino [Replacement]
Annie Annie
[Los Angeles]
Hollywood Bowl Production, 2018
Grace Farrell
Once On This Island Once On This Island
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival Production, 2017
Erzulie [Replacement]
Erzulie
Fun Home Fun Home
[International Tour]
Manila Return Engagement, 2017
Helen
Fun Home Fun Home
[International Tour]
International Premiere in Manila, 2016
Helen
Allegiance Allegiance
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2015
Kei Kimura
Les Miserables Les Miserables
[Broadway]
Return Engagement [Broadway], 2006
Fantine [Replacement]
Flower Drum Song
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2002
Mei-Li
Something Good
[Broadway]
Richard Rodgers 100th Birthday Celebration, 2002
"Love, Look Away" Performer
Miss Saigon
[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 1991
Kim
Kim [Replacement]
Kim [Replacement]
Kim
Miss Saigon
[West End]
Original London Production, 1989
Kim
Les Miserables Les Miserables
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1987
Eponine [Replacement]

Productions

Here Lies LoveHere Lies Love
 
[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

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News


Interview: Tori Gresham of WAITRESS at Theatre Under The Stars Photo
Interview: Tori Gresham of WAITRESS at Theatre Under The Stars
by Armando Urdiales - Apr 15, 2025

In Theatre Under the Stars' production of Waitress, Tori Gresham steps into the role of Dawn—a character beloved for her quirky charm, heartfelt honesty, and unexpected strength. Bringing her fresh perspective to a part with a passionate fan following, Gresham approaches Dawn with reverence and originality.
Bernadette Peters to Host Manhattan Theatre Club 2025 Spring Gala Photo
Bernadette Peters to Host Manhattan Theatre Club 2025 Spring Gala
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 14, 2025

Three-time Tony Award recipient and MTC Board Member Bernadette Peters (now starring in Manhattan Theatre Club's Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends) will host their 2025 annual Spring Gala. The event will honor Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) on Monday, May 19 at Cipriani 42nd Street (110 E 42nd St).
Photos: STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS Cast Celebrates Opening Night Photo
Photos: STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS Cast Celebrates Opening Night
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 12, 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, officially opened earlier this week on Broadway. Check out photos of the cast taking their opening night celebration here.
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by Sidney Paterra - Apr 11, 2025

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LES MISÉRABLES THE ARENA SPECTACULAR Arrives in Australia in Three Weeks
by Stephi Wild - Apr 11, 2025

Final casting has been confirmed for the Australian leg of LES MISÉRABLES THE ARENA SPECTACULAR! Due to demand, extra performances were recently added in Australia.
STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS Will Host Post-Show Conversation Photo
STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS Will Host Post-Show Conversation
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 10, 2025

Manhattan Theatre Club has revealed additional programming in association with the New York premiere of Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends. Learn more here!
Video: Inside Opening Night of STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS on Broadway Photo
Video: Inside Opening Night of STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS on Broadway
by Joey Mervis - Apr 9, 2025

The music of Stephen Sondheim is alive and well at the Samuel J. Friedman Thetare, where Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends opened just last night. Watch in this video as we take you inside the big night with stars Bernadette peters, Lea Salonga, and more.
Photos: STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS Cast Takes Opening Night Bows Photo
Photos: STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS Cast Takes Opening Night Bows
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 9, 2025

Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends officially opened last night, April 8, on Broadway. Check out photos of the cast taking their opening night bows!
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 9, 2025 Photo
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by - Apr 9, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 9, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Review Roundup: STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS Opens On Broadway Photo
Review Roundup: STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS Opens On Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 9, 2025

It's a celebration of all things Steve as Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends, starring two-time Tony Award winner Bernadette Peters and Tony Award winner Lea Salonga, celebrates its opening night on Broadway! See what the New York critics thought of this West End smash! Read the reviews!
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by Michael Major - Apr 7, 2025

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STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW, OLD FRIENDS And More Come to 92NY This Spring
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Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 4, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Lea Salonga Celebrates Her Trans Son: How Theatre Helped Her Conquer Motherhood Photo
Lea Salonga Celebrates Her Trans Son: How Theatre Helped Her Conquer Motherhood
by Michael Major - Apr 3, 2025

Lea Salonga is opening up about raising her transgender son. In a new profile in People, the Old Friends star shows love for her 18-year-old child Nic Chien, who recently started taking testosterone after coming out as transmasculine when he was 14.
Photos: STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS Hosts Benefit Performance Photo
Photos: STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS Hosts Benefit Performance
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 3, 2025

On April 2, Manhattan Theatre Club hosted a special benefit performance of Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends, starring Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga. BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos here!
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Video: Watch Highlights from STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS on Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 31, 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, is now in previews. Check out highlights of the cast in action in this video.
Video: Watch Lea Salonga Read a Letter to Her 17-Year-Old Self on CBS MORNINGS Photo
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!
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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 Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld March 26, 2025
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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 during her career. These include Best Featured Actress in a Musical at the BroadwayWorld Awards for Once on this Island, Best Leading Actress in a Musical at the BroadwayWorld Awards for Allegiance, and Outstanding Actress - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for Miss Saigon. Additionally, she received the Best Actress - Musical award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Miss Saigon, as well as the Performance award from the Theatre World Awards for the same show. She also won the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for Miss Saigon and the Outstanding Performance of the Year by an Actress in a Musical at the Olivier Awards, again for Miss Saigon.

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