Lea Salonga’s son, theater star Nic Chien, opens up about his path to self-acceptance

• Nic Chien shared his journey of self-discovery during a candid interview with Korina Sanchez, emphasizing his comfort with his true identity
• The theater actor praised his mother, Lea Salonga, for her immediate and unwavering acceptance when he first shared his truth as a child
• Chien clarified that despite his parents' separation, the family remains deeply supportive and maintains a respectful, loving bond
• Following his personal disclosure, Chien is preparing to star as Moritz in the 2026 production of Spring Awakening in Makati City

In a heartfelt television interview broadcast on February 3, 2026, theater actor Nic Chien shared a significant personal milestone by opening up about his journey of self-discovery and identity.

Speaking with veteran journalist Korina Sanchez on the program Rated Korina, the son of Broadway legend Lea Salonga discussed the evolution of his personal truth and the unwavering support he has received from his family.

Chien, who has become a rising star in the local theater scene, reflected on his path with a sense of clarity and peace.

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He shared that he began recognizing his personal leanings as early as the fifth grade. Over time, these feelings matured into a deeper understanding of how he views himself and his place in the world.

"I am okay with saying that out loud," Chien remarked during the interview, emphasizing that his identity is a natural reflection of who he is.

He noted that while there was a period of exploration regarding how he expressed his individuality, he eventually found comfort in his current path.

A central theme of the conversation was the acceptance Chien received from his parents, particularly his mother, Lea Salonga.

He recalled the moment he first confided in her at age 11, describing her reaction as calm and supportive.

Salonga has previously been vocal in the media about the importance of "meeting your child where they are," a philosophy that Chien credits for his current confidence.

Chien also touched upon the recent changes in his family dynamic, including his parents' separation.

He reassured viewers that the family remains a cohesive and loving unit. "My parents are on very good terms," he clarified, adding that respect and mutual care continue to define their relationship even as they move forward individually.

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Beyond his personal life, Chien is currently focused on his flourishing career. He is set to star in The Sandbox Collective’s production of Spring Awakening, where he will play the role of Moritz Stiefel.

The production is scheduled to run from February 13 to March 22, 2026, at The Black Box at The Proscenium Theater in Makati.

Through his art and his advocacy for self-truth, Chien hopes to inspire others to live authentically despite the challenges of public life.

Lea Salonga is a world-renowned vocalist and theater star, celebrated for her historic Broadway debut as Kim in Miss Saigon. This breakout performance earned her a Tony Award, marking her as the first Asian actress to achieve such a feat. Beyond the stage, she is a certified Disney Legend, famously providing the singing voices for iconic heroines Princess Jasmine and Mulan.

Recently, Nic Chien shared that nearly a year of hormonal therapy has profoundly improved his mental well-being and helped him feel more aligned with his physical self. Since beginning his medical path in March 2025, Chien has described the experience as a vital personal evolution, though he thoughtfully cautioned that every individual's journey of self-discovery is unique. Following a successful surgical procedure last year to better reflect his identity, the theater actor expressed surprise at the widespread public interest while embracing his role as an inspiration for others. Broadway star Lea Salonga has remained a steadfast ally, advocating for the philosophy that parents must nurture their children's true nature to ensure they grow up feeling resilient and secure.

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Previously, during a press event in Parañaque City, Lea Salonga spoke candidly about her experiences and responsibilities as a parent supporting a child’s transition. The world-renowned performer underscored that the fundamental duty of any guardian is to provide limitless and non-judgmental affection regardless of a child’s personal path. Salonga observed that the changes in her son Nic's life have led to a noticeable increase in his overall happiness and emotional stability. While acknowledging that her family has faced public scrutiny, the theater legend remains resolute in her stance that her child’s health and peace of mind must always take precedence over external opinions.

Source: KAMI.com.gh