Lea Salonga
Lea Salonga: A Legendary Voice
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Lea Guadalupe Salvatore "Lea" Salonga is a renowned Filipino singer, actress, and philanthropist. She is often referred to as the "Queen of Musical Theatre" in Asia.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on February 22, 1968, in Santa Cruz, Manila, Philippines, Lea Salonga is still active in her career today.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Philippine nationality, singer, actress, and philanthropist
Lea Salonga's talent spans across multiple disciplines: music, acting, and charity work. Her incredible voice has captivated audiences worldwide, while her philanthropic efforts have positively impacted her community.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in a musical family, Lea was exposed to various genres of music from an early age. Her father, Domingo Salvatore, was an opera singer and actor who played a significant role in shaping her musical inclinations. As a child, she would often accompany her father on stage, singing and acting alongside him.
Lea's formal education began at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral School in Manila. She then pursued music studies at the Philippine Women's University Conservatory of Music under the guidance of renowned vocal coaches.
Major Accomplishments
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Throughout her illustrious career, Lea Salonga has achieved numerous milestones:
Miss Saigon and Les Misérables: She became the first Asian woman to play the role of Éponine in the original London production of Les Misérables. Her iconic performance as Kim in Miss Saigon earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress.
Voice acting: Lea provided the singing voices for two Disney Princesses: Jasmine in Aladdin (1992) and Fa Mulan in Mulan (1998).
Philanthropy: She has supported various charitable organizations, including UNICEF and the Philippine Red Cross.Notable Works or Actions
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Lea Salonga's work extends beyond her performances on stage. Some notable contributions include:
Advocacy for social causes: Lea has used her platform to raise awareness about issues such as HIV/AIDS, child labor, and education.
Mentorship: She has established the Lea Salonga Scholarship Foundation, providing financial assistance to young artists pursuing music studies.Impact and Legacy
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Lea Salonga's influence on the entertainment industry is undeniable. Her trailblazing performances have paved the way for future generations of Asian performers:
Breaking cultural barriers: As one of the first Filipino actresses to achieve international recognition, Lea has shattered stereotypes and opened doors for Asian talent in Hollywood.
Inspiring others: Through her philanthropic efforts and advocacy work, she continues to inspire fans worldwide.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Lea Salonga's remarkable career is a testament to her incredible voice, captivating stage presence, and dedication to making a positive impact. Her quotes often convey wisdom on topics such as perseverance, self-acceptance, and the importance of giving back:
"The most important thing is not what you achieve but how you feel about yourself."
* "We must be willing to let go of our attachments and accept change with an open heart."
Lea Salonga's legacy extends far beyond her impressive resume. She has become a beacon of hope for countless individuals, reminding them that talent, perseverance, and kindness can conquer even the most daunting challenges.
Quotes by Lea Salonga
All the Disney Princess films are iconic and beautiful, so to have been a part of all that was really a wonderful part of my life. It's all fabulous, too, that I have a daughter that appreciates the whole Princess thing.
I have a half-brother who is very, very, very gay, many cousins, best friends who are all members of the LGBT community, and for me to not say anything would be hypocritical. There is a lot of prejudice. People think it is abnormal. No, it's just another normal.
I would love to do some straight drama. A lot of times it’s not up to the actor, it’s up to the producer. It’s up to the powers that be.
I pride myself in the fact that in the six months tour of Cinderella, I didn’t take one show off.
I seem to have a soft spot in my heart for Australia and Australian actors. After having worked with one in ‘Cinderella’ and a multitude of them in ‘Cats,’ I’ve wanted the opportunity to actually perform ‘down under.’
I feel like if I am physically and emotionally able to be at the theater, I will be there. I don’t like not being there – I don’t like playing hooky. I am just one of those people who feels really, really guilty if I am not there – maybe it’s part of being Catholic.
I just refuse to date actors. I’ve done that, and I don’t want to do that anymore. It’s just the stress of traveling and being away from each other so much.
In the modern operas that ‘Miss Saigon’ and ‘Les Miz’ are, nobody breaks out into song from conventional book dialogue. Everything is sung from beginning to end, including the recitative.