Cover Meet three iconic women of entertainment who have left an indelible mark on both stage and screen
Meet three iconic women of entertainment who have left an indelible mark on both stage and screen
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Three women, three stages and a world that’s been watching—meet some of the entertainment icons igniting both the screen and stage with their stars ablaze
The entertainment industry has always been a fast-moving machine, but in today’s climate—defined by a mix of pandemic recovery, shifting audience tastes, and groundbreaking innovations—it takes more than just talent to stay relevant. As the curtains rise once more on live concerts, theatres, and a digital age where content is consumed in countless ways, the real stars emerge in an industry where brilliance burns bright but flickers just as quickly.
Each in a different chapter of their career, these actors and performers on Asia’s Most Influential captivate the audience on stage or screen. Here they are with their narratives of what it means to be a star. They have proven that stardom is defined not just by the spotlight but, more importantly, by the ability to adapt, evolve and inspire across different eras and platforms.
Lea Salonga
Above A global star whose voice has brought timeless magic to Broadway and Disney alike, Lea Salonga continues to inspire across generations (Photo: Raymund Isaac)
A global star whose voice has brought timeless magic to Broadway and Disney alike, Lea Salonga continues to inspire across generations (Photo: Raymund Isaac)
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Few people can make you believe in magic with just their voice—Lea Salonga is unarguably one of them. From childhood stage appearances to current roles as a mentor and global star, her career is a mosaic of triumphs that spans continents and genres. At just seven, Salonga didn’t dip her toes into performing arts. She dove headfirst, appearing in productions like The King and I (1978). By eight, she was Annie in the Manila production of Annie (1980), collecting awards to prove that she was already a force to be reckoned with. While she had a certified gold album at ten years old, it was only the beginning of her career that would make Broadway stand up and take notice.
Salonga hit her first significant crescendo in 1989 when she took on the iconic role of Kim in Miss Saigon. The musical, a powerful tale set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, showcased her extraordinary talent, which earned her the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical in 1990 and the Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical in 1991. She also made history as the first Asian woman to snag a Tony.
Read more: How Ballet Manila breathes new life into the epic poem ‘Florante at Laura’—bridging generations through dance
Filipina artist Micat Po and the subtle power of watercolourWhile Broadway audiences fell in love with her, Disney was also catching on to her star power. Salonga lent her voice to Princess Jasmine in Aladdin (1992) and Fa Mulan in Mulan (1998) and Mulan II (2004)—roles that made her a cherished “Disney Legend” for keeping the magic alive with every note she sang. Not one to rest on her laurels, Salonga continued to break new ground with her role as Eponine in Les Misérables. She became the first Asian actress to play the role on Broadway and reprised it for the musical’s 10th-anniversary concert, proof that her performances are like fine wine—only getting better with age.
November 2024 will see her perform her highly anticipated concert, Stage, Screen, and Everything in Between, a title that sounds like it was tailor-made for the multifaceted artist. But even before that, Salonga will grace the stage in Request sa Radyo, starring alongside the internationally acclaimed Dolly de Leon.
Dolly de Leon
Above Breaking boundaries with her powerful performances, Dolly de Leon has become a trailblazing Filipino actress on the global stage (Photo: Mark Nicdao)
Breaking boundaries with her powerful performances, Dolly de Leon has become a trailblazing Filipino actress on the global stage (Photo: Mark Nicdao)
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This veteran actress has been dazzling audiences— from theatre, film and TV—for over 30 years. If you haven’t been living under a rock, you’ll know that Dolly de Leon has taken the global stage by storm faster than you can say “Palme d’Or”.
Playing a toilet cleaner might be an unusual breakout role, but it’s what launched De Leon into the long-overdue global spotlight. Her role in Triangle of Sadness (2022) earned her awards, like the Guldbagge and a Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award. It made her the first Filipino nominated for a Golden Globe and BAFTA Award. But it wasn’t an overnight success.
De Leon began with productions like The Merchant of Venice and Waiting for Godot, which laid the foundation of her career. She made her film debut in 1991, but it wasn’t until 2019 that she broke through in cinema with Verdict through her role as a mother fighting for justice which won her a FAMAS Award. The accolades continued with The Missing, an animated film that earned her Cinemalaya’s Best Supporting Actress. She had two Hollywood films at Sundance, where she is a producer in one. She still had more projects and movies in the pipeline. As if that wasn’t enough, De Leon is back on stage alongside another luminary of Philippine showbiz—Lea Salonga.
More from Tatler: Dolly de Leon’s visceral performance in ‘Request sa Radyo’ is a masterclass in pensive acting
Anne Curtis
Above Effortlessly balancing actress, entrepreneur, and style icon, Anne Curtis proves she's the ultimate queen of reinvention (Photo: Mark Nicdao)
Effortlessly balancing actress, entrepreneur, and style icon, Anne Curtis proves she's the ultimate queen of reinvention (Photo: Mark Nicdao)
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This star has been called actor, host, singer, entrepreneur and even Dyosa (goddess). Entirely, Anne Curtis is the “Queen of Reinvention”. After all, how many stars can start playing a princess to becoming one of the most bankable actresses in the country, all while being the boss of a brand, a mother and a champion for social causes? Not many, but Curtis makes it look effortless.
Cast as Princess Dahlia in the 1997 series Magic Kingdom, Curtis quickly became a household name. From there, she dabbled in everything from TV dramas to romcoms. She played iconic characters in movies such as the romantic drama thriller No Other Woman (2011), where she delivered lines so sharp they could cut glass. And who can forget her action-packed performance in BuyBust (2018)– the multimillion-dollar film of international acclaim directed by the renowned Erik Matti? A departure from her usual genres, Curtis underwent training for the part, including in Pekiti-Tirsia Kali martial arts.
Joining It’s Showtime in 2009 as a host, she brought her infectious energy and quick wit to the show. And let’s not forget her fashion influence, which led her to become Tatler Philippines’ cover lady for 2023 Asia’s Most Stylish. As if ruling the entertainment industry wasn’t enough, Curtis decided to venture into business. She founded BLK, a cosmetics line that reflects her style— modern, sophisticated and accessible.
Syrah is Tatler Philippines’ Power & Purpose editor, where she spotlights extraordinary journeys shaping the Philippines and Asia. She covers business, innovation, impact, and culture—chasing the people, ideas and forces shaping how we live and think today.
