MANILA — Entertainers Nicole Scherzinger and Joseph Glenn “Jo Koy” Herbert are the latest celebrities of Filipino descent to have their stars placed on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame. The two Filipino-Americans were included in the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2027 listing, a prestigious group of 32 “extraordinary individuals [that] have each made a lasting impact on audiences around the world through their talent, creativity, and dedication to their craft,” according to a statement from the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.
Peter Roth, Walk of Fame Selection chairman, said the organization is “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 Scherzinger and Koy will receive their stars under the Live Theater/Performance category, sharing that distinction with ballet dancer Roberto Bolle.
Nicole Scherzinger: From Pussycat Dolls to Broadway Stardom
Nicole Scherzinger is being recognized not as a singer or lead vocalist of the Pussycat Dolls, but as a stage actress for her celebrated roles in productions of “Rent,” “The Rocky Horror Show,” “Cats,” and most notably “Sunset Boulevard.” Her performance in the latter earned her Best Actress in a Musical wins at both the Tony Awards and the Olivier Awards—a rare double that solidifies her reputation as a formidable stage talent. Scherzinger’s journey to this honor has been remarkable: born in Honolulu to a Filipino father and a Russian-Ukrainian mother, she rose to international fame in the early 2000s as the frontwoman of the Pussycat Dolls. The group sold millions of records worldwide with hits like “Don’t Cha,” “Buttons,” and “When I Grow Up.” However, Scherzinger consistently sought opportunities beyond pop music.
Her stage career began with a turn as Mimi Marquez in the 2005 Broadway revival of “Rent,” followed by a West End stint in “The Rocky Horror Show” in 2018. In 2019, she played Grizabella in the film adaptation of “Cats,” a role that divided critics but showcased her commitment to theater. The pinnacle arrived in 2024 when she starred as Norma Desmond in “Sunset Boulevard” on the West End, transferring to Broadway in 2025. Critics lauded her portrayal, with The New York Times calling it “a volcanic, thrilling performance that rewrites the rules of musical theater.” Her Tony win in June 2025 made her the first Asian-American actress to win Best Actress in a Musical. Upon learning about the Walk of Fame star, Scherzinger posted an emotional video on Instagram, expressing disbelief. “I cannot believe this,” a tearful Scherzinger said after embracing her fiancé, former rugby player Thom Evans. “I haven’t even been on ‘SNL [Saturday Night Live]!’” The post garnered congratulations from A-list fans including Jason Momoa, fellow Filipino actress Lea Salonga, Calum Scott, Rita Ora, and former Pussycat Dolls bandmates Kimberly Wyatt and Ashley Roberts.
Jo Koy: Stand-Up Comedy’s Filipino-American Voice
Jo Koy, meanwhile, has established himself as one of the most prominent stand-up comedians in the world, with his Filipino heritage frequently woven into his material. Born Joseph Glenn Herbert in Tacoma, Washington, to a Filipino mother and a white father, Koy began his comedy career in the late 1990s, performing at open mics in Las Vegas. His big break came with appearances on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and later on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” He released several successful Netflix specials, starting with “Jo Koy: Live from Seattle” (2017), followed by “Comin’ in Hot” (2019), “In His Elements” (2020), and “Jo Koy: Off the Record” (2022). His stand-up often centers on his family, especially his mother Josie, who became a beloved figure in his acts.
Beyond the stage, Koy has expanded into film and television. He starred in the 2021 comedy “Easter Sunday,” which was the first major studio film centered on a Filipino-American family, a milestone for representation. The film, directed by Jay Chandrasekhar and produced by Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Partners, earned praise for its authentic portrayal of Filipino culture. Koy also voiced characters in animated features and co-created the TV series “Jo Koy: Coming In Hot.” His influence extends to hosting: he served as a stand-in host for “The Tonight Show” and hosted the 2024 Golden Globe Awards, becoming the first Filipino-American to do so. Upon learning of the Walk of Fame honor, Koy posted a video on Instagram showing his shocked reaction. Fellow comedians Martin Lawrence and Ali Wong were among those who congratulated him. Koy’s star will be the first for a Filipino-American stand-up comedian, marking a significant moment for the community.
Filipino-American Representation on the Walk of Fame
The designation of Scherzinger and Koy continues a growing trend of Filipino-American entertainers being recognized by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. Lea Salonga, an Oscar-winning singer and actress, was inducted in 2026, becoming the first Filipina to receive a star. Three male celebrities with Filipino heritage had previously been honored: singer-songwriter Bruno Mars (inducted in 2019), rapper Apl.de.ap (inducted in 2022 as a member of The Black Eyed Peas), and comedian Rob Schneider (inducted in 2023). These honors reflect the increasing visibility of Filipino talent in mainstream entertainment, a community that has long faced underrepresentation despite its deep roots in the industry. According to a 2023 report by the University of California, Los Angeles, Filipino-Americans are the second-largest Asian-American group in Hollywood but remain largely absent from lead roles and creative positions.
The Walk of Fame class of 2027 also includes a diverse array of stars from other categories. In Motion Pictures, honorees include the duo Cheech & Chong, Idris Elba, Sam Elliott, sisters Elle Fanning and Dakota Fanning (who will coordinate their induction for a double ceremony), Kate Hudson, Delroy Lindo, Sam Rockwell, and Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos. The Television category features David Alan Grier, Lisa Kudrow, Bill Lawrence, Pedro Pascal, Adam Scott, Jeff Probst, Keke Palmer, and Raven-Symoné. Recording honorees include Latin superstar Karol G, DJ David Guetta, late country legend Waylon Jennings (posthumous), punk pioneers The Ramones, hip-hop legend Grandmaster Flash, composer Marc Shaiman, singer Sia, The Smashing Pumpkins, Linkin Park, and rapper Lil Wayne. Sports Entertainment recognizes NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson, and Radio honors Lenard “Charlamagne tha God” McKelvey.
The induction ceremonies for the class of 2027 are scheduled throughout the year, with each honoree receiving a star ceremony on Hollywood Boulevard. Both Scherzinger and Koy have yet to announce official dates for their events. For the Filipino-American community, these stars represent a long-overdue acknowledgment of contributions that span music, comedy, theater, and film. Nicole Scherzinger’s star, in particular, highlights the crossover between pop music and stage performance, while Jo Koy’s star cements the legacy of a comic who has used laughter to bridge cultural divides. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, the Hollywood Walk of Fame remains a tangible marker of enduring influence, and the addition of these two Filipino-American talents underscores the richness of Asian-American storytelling in Hollywood.
Source: MSN News