Hathaway, Johnson, Iger Among 11 Inducted as Disney Legends
Anne Hathaway, Bob Iger, Dwayne Johnson, and the Jonas Brothers were among 11 luminaries honored as Disney Legends at D23.
Some of entertainment's most prominent figures, including Anne Hathaway, Bob Iger, and Dwayne Johnson, have officially joined the esteemed ranks of Disney Legends. The 11 honorees were inducted on Sunday at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, during the D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.
The annual Disney Legends Awards ceremony celebrates individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to The Walt Disney Company's legacy. This year's event was hosted by "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest, who returned to guide the proceedings.
Actress Anne Hathaway, recognized for her roles in "The Princess Diaries" and "Alice in Wonderland," reflected on her personal journey during her acceptance speech. She expressed gratitude for her career and the ability to share her passion with her family, describing her happiest moments as those spent with her husband and children.
Former Disney CEO Bob Iger was honored for his leadership and extensive impact on the company. Current CEO Josh D'Amaro lauded Iger as one of the most consequential business leaders of the era. Tributes also came from notable figures such as Robert Downey Jr., Diane Sawyer, Harrison Ford, Ellen Pompeo, and Al Michaels, who highlighted Iger's integrity and kindness.
During his acceptance, Iger emphasized the responsibility of executives to support the creative talent that drives the company. He acknowledged the contributions of creatives and cast members as the true essence of Disney. Iger's tenure as CEO saw major acquisitions, including Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm, alongside the launch of the Disney+ streaming service.
Other notable inductees included the popular music group the Jonas Brothers and Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creative force behind "Hamilton" and "Encanto." The ceremony, held during Disney's biennial fan convention, also featured significant movie and TV announcements from the company.
Past Disney Legends honorees include Walt Disney himself, along with numerous actors, animators, writers, and executives who have shaped the company's storied history. The induction ceremony underscores Disney's commitment to recognizing and celebrating the individuals who have been instrumental in its global success and cultural impact.
The D23 event, which ran concurrently with the awards, provided fans with exclusive previews of upcoming projects and a deep dive into Disney's rich archives, further cementing the connection between the company's past, present, and future through the celebration of its most treasured figures.
This article was written by AI based on publicly available news reporting. Original reporting by the linked source.
