From Imagineering to animation, Disney's highest honor recognizes the innovators shaping the company's legacy.
The Walt Disney Company has announced its 2026 class of Disney Legends, a roster of honorees including former CEO Bob Iger, Academy Award winner Anne Hathaway and multi-hyphenate Dwayne Johnson. The Disney Legends Award is the company's highest honor, a 39-year tradition that recognizes the individuals who have made a significant impact on the Disney legacy.
"D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is where we come together to give our incredible fans an early look at what's coming next across our company, while celebrating the legacy of the extraordinary people whose creativity has shaped Disney into what it is today," said Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro. The induction of former Chairman and CEO Bob Iger marks a full-circle moment for the executive, who led the company through its most aggressive era of growth, including the high-profile acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm. Joining him from the executive ranks is Kim Irvine, a 55-year veteran of Walt Disney Imagineering who has led creative development at Disneyland Park for decades. The 2026 class also leans heavily into the voices, both literal and musical, that have defined the Disney "sound" for decades. Broadway's original Belle and the voice of Megara in "Hercules," Susan Egan, joins the honorees alongside the Jonas Brothers, who are being honored as they celebrate their 20th anniversary. They are joined by Pulitzer Prize-winner Lin-Manuel Miranda, the mastermind behind the hits of "Moana" and "Encanto." The honoree roster also spotlights the architects of Disney's blockbuster success, including producer Jerry Bruckheimer, who steered the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise, and Eric Goldberg, the legendary animator who brought the Genie to life in "Aladdin." Chris Berman, the foundational voice of ESPN for over 40 years, is also among the honorees. On the acting front, the honors go to Anne Hathaway, who famously got her start as Mia Thermopolis in "The Princess Diaries," and Dwayne Johnson, whose work spans from the voice of Maui in "Moana" to the live-action "Jungle Cruise." They are joined by Alan Tudyk, a staple of Disney Animation who has since voiced a character in every one of the studio's films, starting with King Candy in "Wreck-It Ralph" in 2012.Ryan Seacrest will host the induction ceremony on Sunday, Aug. 16, at the Honda Center. For fans unable to make it to Anaheim, the event will stream on Disney+.Kevin McKidd and Kim Raver to exit 'Grey's Anatomy'
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Disney unveils 2026 Legends: Bob Iger, Anne Hathaway and Dwayne Johnson among icons to be honoredFrom Imagineering to animation, Disney's highest honor recognizes the innovators shaping the company's legacy.
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