American stars you might not know have Filipino heritage
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It’s AAPI Heritage Month, and that means honoring and championing the achievements, stories and cultural impact of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders – including Filipino Americans.
Recently, Fil-Am actress Liza Soberano turned heads as she joined Mindy Kaling and Chrissy Teigen at the Gold House Gala, a prestigious event that recognizes the most influential AAPI leaders shaping the fabric of American culture today.
As AAPI Heritage Month comes to a close and in the spirit of celebrating AAPI excellence – beyond the familiar faces within the Filipino American diaspora, including Olivia Rodrigo, Hailee Steinfeld and Vanessa Hudgens – here are more Hollywood and internationally renowned celebrities you might not know have Filipino roots.
Timothy Granaderos
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Best known for his role as Montgomery “Monty” de la Cruz in the Netflix series “13 Reasons Why,” Timothy shared that his father, Timothy Granaderos Sr., hails from Zamboanga in the Southern Philippines and has Chavacano roots.
He has expressed pride in his Filipino heritage, sharing that his upbringing was influenced by his father’s values of discipline and hard work, such as doing chores before leisure activities. In 2024, he advertised the Philippines through the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines’ Facebook post.
Recently, he was in Cagbalete Island in Luzon writing in a social media post: “Did you know the Philippines is made up of more than 7,000 islands AND if your buddy lifts up his leg while you’re taking a photo in an oversized prop photo frame you’re legally married?”
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Darren Criss
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Emmy winner Darren Criss, known for “Glee” and “The Assassination of Gianni Versace,” has long expressed pride in his Filipino roots. His mother, originally from Cebu City, played a major role in shaping his identity.
In a 2020 interview with People, Criss reflected on how his heritage often went unacknowledged, noting that despite being half-Filipino all his life, no one ever really asked about it. He opened up about the complexities of being “white passing” and how outside perceptions have made him reassess his own sense of identity – something he thought he had figured out.
Lou Diamond Phillips
Lou Diamond Phillips attends the FOX Summer TCA 2019 All-Star Party at Fox Studios on Aug. 7, 2019 in Los Angeles. Image: AFP/Michael Tran
Known for “La Bamba” and “Young Guns,” Lou Diamond Phillips was born at a US naval base in the Philippines.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he reflected on his cultural identity, sharing that while he grew up eating Filipino food and spending time with Filipino relatives, he felt very Americanized. It wasn’t until college – and later in Hollywood – that he began facing questions about his background.
“What are you? Where are you from?” became recurring questions, prompting him to more fully embrace his heritage. Rather than feeling confined by a label, Phillips emphasized that being Filipino American is not something to explain away – but to be proud of.
Tia Carrere
Photo from tiacarrere/Instagram
While it might not come as a surprise, “Wayne’s World” actress and Grammy-winning singer Tia Carrere proudly embraces her Filipino roots. A trailblazer for Filipinos in Hollywood, Carrere was recently honored at the second Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) in Los Angeles.
Known as the original voice of Nani in “Lilo & Stitch,” she now joins the Disney live-action remake, taking on the new role of Mrs. Kekoa.
When Timothy Granaderos posted his photos when he was in Cagbalete Island, Tia commented “You’re on Cagbalete Island? I’m in Cebu!” to which Timothy replied “No way!! Wish we could link up.”
Steve Lacy
Photo from steve.lacy/Instagram
Steve Lacy, the musician and producer known for his work with “The Internet,” often surprises fans with his Filipino heritage on his father’s side. In an interview with the LA Times, Steve fondly remembered his late Filipino father and spoke about the meaningful gift his father left him – one that continues to inspire his music and life.
Nicole Scherzinger
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“Hush, Hush” is a karaoke staple in many Filipino households and who better to belt it out than Broadway superstar Nicole Scherzinger herself, who proudly embraces her Filipino roots.
In 2024, the world-renowned singer and former lead vocalist of “The Pussycat Dolls” paid tribute to her heritage with a spirited TikTok performance of the group’s hit. “Tell me you’re a Filipino without telling me you’re a Filipino,” she wrote in the caption.
Enrique Iglesias
Photo from enriqueiglesias/Instagram
Latin pop superstar Enrique Iglesias has a strong connection to the Philippines through his mother, Isabel Preysler who is a Filipina socialite and TV host originally from Lubao, Pampanga.
In fact, the Municipality of Lubao once featured her in an article titled “The Lubeña who captured the heart of an international singing sensation.”
Growing up, Enrique recalled hearing Filipino – possibly even Kapampangan – spoken at home, which was a constant reminder of his heritage. In one interview, he expressed a deep sense of pride in his roots, saying, “If there’s one country I really want to help, it’s the Philippines, because I’m part Filipino.”
