ARTISTS AT A GLANCE: LEA SALONGA

cc photo by FrankTang on Wikimedia Commons

Real Name: Maria Lea Carmen Imutan Salonga

Birthday: February 22, 1971

Birthplace: Angeles City, Philippines

Lea Salonga is a Filipina singer and actress. She is one of the Philippines' pride especially in the field of music. She started her career in 1978 at the age of seven in the musical The King and I. This was followed by Annie, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Fiddler on the Roof, The Rose T, The Goodbye Girl, Paper Moon, and The Fantasticks. She was also one of the original members of the defunct Filipino youth-oriented talent and variety show That's Entertainment (1986-1996). She also starred in several Philippine movies.

1989 - Lea was chosen to play the role of Kim in the London musical Miss Saigon. She is the original Kim.

1991 - Played Kim in the Broadway presentation of Miss Saigon.

1992 - Did the singing voice of Jasmine in the movie Aladdin.

1993 - Performed the song A Whole New World of Disney's film Aladdin with Brad Kane at the 65th Annual Oscar Awards. The song won Best Original Song.

1998 - Did the singing voice of Fa Mulan in the movie Mulan.

2000 - Played Kim in the musical Miss Saigon in her country, the Philippines.

2002 - Played the role of a Chinese immigrant in the Broadway musical Flower Drum Song.

2004 - Did the singing voice of Fa Mulan in the movie Mulan II.

2010 - Performed as Fantine at the Les Miserables: 25th Anniversary Concert.

Awards and Citations:

1989 - Laurence Olivier Award - Best Actress in a Musical 

1990 - Received a Presidential Award of Merit from the late Philippine President Corazon Aquino.

1991 - Tony Award - Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical

1991 - Drama Desk Award - Outstanding Actress in a Musical 

1991 - Theater World Award 

2003 - Aliw Awards (Philippines) - Entertainer of the Year for her concert entitled Songs from Home

2005 - Golden Artist Award from FAMAS (Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences) in honor of her international achievements

2007 - Received the Order of Lakandula Award from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The award is one of the highest honors given by the Republic of the Philippines to individuals in recognition of their excellence in their craft.

2008 - Special Citation from Awit Awards (Philippines' equivalent to Grammy Awards)

2011 - Named Disney Legend for her extraordinary and integral contribution to The Walt Disney Company