Disney princess: 'I was refused theatre role for being Asian'

Star of the stage Lea Salonga talks being a Disney princess, diversity in musical theatre and the pressures of finding fame at a young age.

[lawrencetan]

It really tickles me that when they search for Asians in any role on Broadway or Hollywood, they go to London and New York; and not Asia. Glad they finally went to Manila and found Lea Salonga.

[missybarbour]

No one gets to be two Disney princess. She's graduated to Disney Queen.

[djlovelyjoe]

Lea is a one tough girl... I like it that she didn't play a VICTIM of racism, instead she proved herself worthy to get the roles. That's what we call a true role model.

[craiglisting]

excuse me but she's not just Asian..she's one hell of a freaking out of this world talented, classy, educated, articulate ASIAN!

[ruelreyes]

Westerns can hardly accept how brilliant Asian artists are.

[oigleboigle]

As I understand it, she believes that anyone should be offered the role if they deserve it regardless of their backgrounds.

[chubichic]

When she speaks, her pronounciation so clear, very inspiring, i idolized her.

[enitsirkgemps]

even the auto generated subtitle is correct when leah talked

[mikehorton]

I am stunned that the fact she was Asian was ever a factor with Lea Salonga. I see and hear her as a phenomenal musician, singer, and actress. Thank God she broke through a barrier that never should have existed. She is at the top of the best that Broadway, the West End and Hollywood have to offer.

[MIKEEXVI]

I’m still mad at Disney for how she was snubbed off of “Aladdin” live action film. She deserved at least a vocal part or an original song just as Celine did hers on Beauty & The Beast.

[collinlui]

Her pronunciation when she sing is clearer than my future.

[lissandrafreljord]

Damn she almost 50 yet she looks like she in her late 20s to early 30s.

[guestdeej]

“I can’t resent all that if it lead me to all these.”
- Lea Salonga

🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[inay-]

In the Philippines She is known to be a very professional, disciplined, focus artist. She is taking her Job seriously. We're just waiting for her to be a Philippine National Artist.

[mousetatouille]

Singing aside, her personality just shines. So eloquent and classy

[seisappho]

Mulan’s “Reflection” has aged like wine

[indigoskywalker]

Sorry but I don’t get the haters, she worked her arse off to get where she is and has an amazing voice

[Bellaluccaminis]

Bahahahaha.... She's the only Asian who played the Caucasian lead role for Fantine and Eponine in Les Miserables on Broadway, and took home both the Tony Award & the Lawrence Olivier award for Miss Saigon. She's so gifted and talented she got Caucasian roles even though she is Asian. Her voice is flawless and she has perfect diction not nasal, pitchy or screeching. She is is the singing voice of princess Jasmine of Disney 27 years ago and still sings it perfectly as if it was only yesterday 🤣. She's a living legend. It is an honour to hear her sing live. No auto-tuning needed.

[dgmojojojo]

the new Zayn and Zhavia version of “A Whole New World” not half as good as hers.

[fgv]

As a Filipino, I’m beyond unworldly proud of her immaculate success in music. She’s like a Goddess here in the Philippines when it comes to complimenting her talent. She brought Asia to the very top of international theater music!