Maria Lea Carmen Imutan Salonga, stage name Lea Salonga, is a Filipina singer, actress, and columnist who became internationally recognized thanks to her role as Kim in the musical ‘Miss Saigon’ for which she also received Tony Awards.
Salonga is nicknamed “Pride of the Philippines” for the work that she has put on to uplift her name and her nation’s name on the international stage. Salonga puts on great emotion and passion into every work she does and frames it to perfection.
Lea Salonga’s Early Life & Education
Lea Salonga, born Maria Lea Carmen Imutan Salonga, was born on February 22, 1971, in Manila, Philippines which makes her age 52 as of 2023.
Salonga’s father, Feliciano Genuino Salonga, was a naval rear admiral and a shipping company owner and her mother, Maria Ligaya Alcantara was a nee Imutan of Pulupandan, Negros Occidental.
Salonga spent six years of her early life with her family in Angeles City before returning to Manila.
Salonga attended the O.B. Montessori Center campus when she was in Angeles City. For her secondary studies, Salonga went to Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila.
Lea used to sing at family parties while she was young and later attended the University of the Philippines College to improve the talent she had.
When Lea auditioned for Miss Saigon, she was studying biology at the Ateneo de Manila University. Lea might have pursued her career in the medical field if she hadn’t got success in the entertainment industry.
What Made Lea Salonga Famous?
Lea Salonga made her first professional debut at the age of seven in 1978 in a musical titled ‘The King and I’. Three years later Lea released her first album, Small Voice which was certified gold in the Philippines.
Salonga became a child star after she landed a role as Kim in the London production of “Miss Saigon” when she was just 18 years old for which she was awarded the Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical.
Later, she reprised the role on Broadway and won a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a musical.
Salonga became the first actress of Asian Descent to play the roles of Eponine and Fantine in the musical Les Miserables on Broadway and also the first Filipino artist to sign with an international record label, Atlantic Records in 1993.
As per wiki sources, Salonga has recorded many songs including Lea Salonga, By Heart, Songs from the Screen, the soundtrack of Aladdin, Cinderella, and more. She has also appeared in films like Pik Pak Boom, Yellow Rose, Allegiance, The 25th Anniversary, and several more.
Is Lea Salonga Married?
Lea Salonga is married to Robert “Rob” Charles Chien. Rob is an American entrepreneur of Chinese and Japanese heritage.
Salonga met her husband at the Mark Taper Forum while performing in the Los Angeles production of Flower Drum Song in November 2001 and after three years of dating, they finally got married on January 10, 2004, at the Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral.
Salonga performed the song “Two Words” at her wedding which was composed by Louie Ocampo and Freddie Santos and given to her as an early wedding present.
Their wedding was cast as a two-hour television special, directed by Bobby Garcia and hosted by Boy Abunda, on ABS-CBN.
How Many Children Does Lea Salonga Have?
Lea Salonga and Robert Charles Chien have a single child, a daughter named Nicole Beverly Chien. Nicole was born on May 16, 2006, in Los Angeles, California, and is 16 years old. Nicole is also an American singer and actress by profession.
Net Worth Of Lea Salonga
Lea Salonga’s net worth is $18 million approximately. Salonga is one of the richest stage actresses and is also listed as the most popular stage actress.
What Is The Height Of Lea Salonga?
Lea Salonga is 5 feet 3 inches (1.57m) tall and her body weight is around 54 kg (119 lbs).
Salonga has a white skin tone and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and attractive stage performers. She has black hair and eye color.
