MANILA, Philippines — Entertainers Nicole Scherzinger and Joseph Glenn "Jo Koy" Herbert are the latest celebrities of Filipino descent to have their stars on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The Filipino-Americans were included in the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2027 listing 32 "extraordinary individuals [that] have each made a lasting impact on audiences around the world through their talent, creativity, and dedication to their craft."
Peter Roth, Walk of Fame Selection chairman, said in a statement that they were "proud to welcome the Class of 2027 to one of the most enduring symbols of achievement in entertainment" and "honored to recognize their remarkable contributions and look forward to celebrating them as they take their place in Hollywood history."
Both Nicole and Jo Koy are receiving stars under the Live Theater/Performance category alongside ballet dancer Roberto Bolle.
Nicole is being recognized not as a singer or lead vocalist of the Pussycat Dolls, but as a stage actress for roles in "Rent," "The Rocky Horror Show," "Cats," and "Sunset Boulevard," the latter earning her Best Actress- Musical wins at the Tony and Olivier Awards.
Jo Koy, meanwhile, has established himself as a well-known stand-up comedian whose influence has also impacted the silver screen.
The comedian posted a video on Instagram of the moment he learned he is part of the 2027 class, earning congratulations from fellow comedians Martin Lawrence and Ali Wong.
Nicole also posted on Instagram a video, this time in disbelief, upon hearing the announcement that she would be getting her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
"I cannot believe this," a tearful Nicole said after embracing her fiance, former rugby player Thom Evans. "I haven't even been on 'SNL [Saturday Night Live]'!"
Among those who congratulated Nicole in the comments were Jason Momoa, Lea Salonga, Calum Scott, Rita Ora, and fellow Pussycat Dolls members Kimberly Wyatt and Ashley Roberts.
Lea was in last year's Hollywood Walk of Fame class, the first Filipina celebrity to receive this honor, and she still has a year to observe an installation ceremony for her star.
Three male celebrities with Filipino heritage — singer-songwriter Bruno Mars, rapper Apl.de.ap, and comedian Rob Schneider — have previously been recognized by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.
Here are the 29 other members of the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2027 in five other categories:
- Motion Pictures: Cheech & Chong, Idris Elba, Sam Elliott, sisters Elle Fanning & Dakota Fanning, Kate Hudson, Delroy Lindo, Sam Rockwell, and Ted Sarandos
- Television: David Alan Grier, Lisa Kudrow, Bill Lawrence, Pedro Pascal, Adam Scott, Jeff Probst, Keke Palmer, and Raven-Symoné
- Recording: Karol G, David Guetta, Waylon Jennings, The Ramones, Joseph Saddler a.k.a Grandmaster Flash, Marc Shaiman, Sia, Smashing Pumpkins, Linkin Park, and Lil Wayne
- Sports Entertainment: Jimmie Johnson
- Radio: Lenard "Charlamagne tha God" McKelvey
Fanning sisters Elle and Dakota will coordinate their induction for a double ceremony, while country singer Jennings' star is a posthumous honor.