MANILA, Philippines–Lea Salonga, a Tony Award-winning Broadway icon, will appear as a guest star in the fourth season of Fox’s crime drama “The Cleaning Lady,” which premiered on Tuesday.
Salonga, known for showcasing her diverse acting skills, will play a character described as “not so nice” and “trouble.”
The crime drama centers around Thony De La Rosa, played by Élodie Yung, a Cambodian Filipino doctor who becomes a cleaning lady entangled in the criminal underworld to save her son.
The series has been praised for its portrayal of the immigrant experience and representation of Southeast Asians, featuring Filipina Australian actress Martha Millan as a central character.
In an interview with Inquirer.net USA, Salonga expressed her enthusiasm for joining the show, emphasizing the strong female leads and authentic Southeast Asian representation.
Salonga disclosed that her character will bring a darker tone to the series, admitting enjoyment in playing a morally ambiguous role.
Beyond her role in “The Cleaning Lady,” Salonga celebrated the presence of Filipinos in Hollywood and Broadway, noting that on March 31, she, Darren Criss, Nicole Scherzinger, and Eva Noblezada will lead major Broadway productions.
Salonga stars in Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s “Old Friends,” co-starring with Bernadette Peters.
“Old Friends” features songs from renowned musicals such as “Sweeney Todd” and “Into the Woods,” serving as a tribute to Sondheim’s legacy.
Previews for “Old Friends” began on Tuesday, with opening night set for April 8.
Salonga’s role in “The Cleaning Lady” highlights Southeast Asian talent while maintaining the show’s blend of crime, family drama, and social commentary.
