Lea Salonga, the Tony-winning Filipina actress best known for originating Kim in "Miss Saigon" and lending her singing voice to Disney's Princess Jasmine and Mulan, is set to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, becoming its 2,855th recipient and the first Filipina to be honoured. Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Salonga also discussed her role in the forthcoming DreamWorks film "Forgotten Island" and reflected candidly on supporting her son, actor and singer Nic Chien, who came out as transgender in 2025, amid rising anti-trans political rhetoric.

Salonga, who landed "Miss Saigon" at 17 and later became the first Asian actress to win a Tony, said young trans fans have thanked her son for speaking out publicly, describing a moment he read one such message aloud in their Manila kitchen. She said anti-trans legislation and rhetoric from politicians leaves her "intensely afraid", not only for her own child but for other young people who simply want to live and support themselves. The wide-ranging interview also touched on her early "Aladdin" recording sessions and decades-long stage and screen career.