Disney Crowns The Rock, Hathaway & Iger as 2026 Legends
The Magic of Disney Legends: 2026 Honorees Celebrated at D23
Welcome to the most magical awards ceremony you’ve never heard of! Every two years, Disney throws a huge party called D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. Think of it like a giant family reunion for Disney superfans—except the "family" includes princesses, superheroes, Jedi, and the people who brought them to life.
At the 2026 event in Anaheim, California, 11 incredible people were inducted as Disney Legends—the highest honor the company gives. Let’s meet the stars who got their very own Disney "Hall of Fame" moment!
What Is a Disney Legend?
IMPORTANT POINT
A Disney Legend is someone who has made an extraordinary, lasting contribution to The Walt Disney Company. It’s like getting a gold star that says, "You helped make Disney magic happen!"
- The program started in 1987 with actor Fred MacMurray (the original "Absent-Minded Professor").
- As of 2026, 329 people have been honored.
- Honorees come from all walks of Disney life: actors, animators, executives, composers, Imagineers, and more.
The 2026 Class: Meet the New Legends
The ceremony was hosted by Ryan Seacrest (yes, the American Idol guy!) at the Honda Center during D23. Here are the biggest moments from the night:
1. Anne Hathaway: From Princess Diaries to Disney Royalty
Why she’s a Legend:
Anne made her Disney debut over 20 years ago as Mia Thermopolis in The Princess Diaries (2001) and its sequel Royal Engagement (2004). She later played the White Queen in Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking Glass.
The Sweetest Moment:
Presented by her Devil Wears Prada director David Frankel, Anne tearfully thanked her family:
"As cool as all this is, just us being us is where I’m happiest."
ELI5: Imagine playing a princess in a movie, then actually becoming Disney royalty in real life!
2. Bob Iger: The Architect of Modern Disney
Why he’s a Legend:
Bob Iger led Disney for over 20 years as CEO. Under his watch, Disney bought Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm (Star Wars!), and 21st Century Fox—and launched Disney+.
Tributes from A-Listers:
- Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man)
- Harrison Ford (Indiana Jones, Han Solo)
- Diane Sawyer (legendary journalist)
- Ellen Pompeo (Grey’s Anatomy)
- Al Michaels (sportscasting icon)
Ellen Pompeo’s touching words:
"It’s your integrity and your kindness that will be your legacy forever."
Bob’s Humble Acceptance:
He credited the creatives and cast members—the artists, engineers, and park workers—who "truly make this company what it is." He even got his handprints immortalized next to Mickey Mouse!
3. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson: Spreading Joy & Kindness
Why he’s a Legend:
- Voices Maui in Moana (and the upcoming sequel!)
- Starred in Jungle Cruise (based on the Disneyland ride)
Presented by: His Jungle Cruise co-star Emily Blunt.
The Rock’s Message to the World:
"We all do what we can to create moments and experiences of joy for people and their families all around the world. That’s important and it means something."
His Mic-Drop Moment:
"It’s nice to be important. But it’s more important to be nice."
ELI5: The strongest guy in the room says being kind is stronger than being famous.
4. The Jonas Brothers: "Grew Up on Disney, Now We’re Part of It"
Why they’re Legends:
Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas grew up on Disney Channel (Camp Rock, Jonas, Hannah Montana cameos). They’ve sold millions of albums and toured the world.
Presented by: Fellow Disney Channel alum Vanessa Hudgens (High School Musical).
Adorable Backstory:
- Joe’s first word? "Gaston!" (He watched Beauty and the Beast on repeat. )
- Nick played Chip (the teacup!) in Beauty and the Beast on Broadway.
Nick’s Thank-You to Fans:
"You gave three brothers from New Jersey a life beyond anything we could have imagined. We’re so grateful."
5. Lin-Manuel Miranda: Rewriting "Part of Your World" for Disney
Why he’s a Legend:
- Wrote music for Moana ("How Far I’ll Go"), Encanto ("We Don’t Talk About Bruno"), The Little Mermaid live-action, Mulan (2020), and more.
- Hamilton creator = modern musical genius.
Presented by: Auli’i Cravalho (the voice of Moana), who called him "one of the defining musical storytellers of my generation."
The Standing Ovation Moment:
After a musical tribute performed by Cravalho, Jordan Fisher, and others, Lin rewrote "Part of Your World" (The Little Mermaid) live on stage:
"And I’m grateful for you, for believing in me… God, what a time. Grateful that I’m, part of your world."
The Other 2026 Legends (Quick Roundup!)
| Honoree | Why They’re Legendary |
|---|---|
| Chris Berman | ESPN icon, "Back, back, back… GONE!" |
| Jerry Bruckheimer | Producer of Pirates of the Caribbean, National Treasure, Top Gun |
| Susan Egan | Original Belle on Broadway (Beauty and the Beast) + Megara in Hercules |
| Eric Goldberg | Animator genius: Genie (Aladdin), Phil (Hercules), co-directed Pocahontas |
| Kim Irvine | Imagineer who shaped Disneyland for 40+ years (daughter of a Disney Legend!) |
| Alan Tudyk | Voice of Heihei (Moana), Duke of Weselton (Frozen), K-2SO (Rogue One) |
By the Numbers: Disney Legends at a Glance
- 1987 – Program begins (Fred MacMurray = #1)
- 2024 – Last class: Miley Cyrus, Kelly Ripa, Angela Bassett, Jamie Lee Curtis, Harrison Ford
- 2026 – 11 new Legends added
- 329 – Total Legends honored (and counting!)
- Every 2 years – Ceremony happens at D23 Expo
FAQ: Your Burning Questions, Answered
What exactly is D23?
D23 is Disney’s official fan club (named for 1923, the year Walt founded the company). Their biennial Expo is like Comic-Con but only Disney—movie previews, park announcements, celebrity panels, and the Legends ceremony.
Do you have to be famous to be a Disney Legend?
No! While actors get attention, many Legends are animators, engineers, composers, executives, and Imagineers (the folks who design theme parks). Kim Irvine (2026) is an Imagineer—her mom was a Legend too!
What do honorees receive?
Each Legend gets a bronze Disney Legends Award statuette (designed by Imagineer Andrea Favilli) and their handprints and signature displayed at Disney Legends Plaza in Burbank, California.
Can anyone nominate someone?
Nominations come from inside the company, but fans often campaign for favorites on social media. The final decision is made by a selection committee chaired by the CEO.
Is the ceremony televised?
It’s streamed live on Disney+ and covered heavily by ABC/Good Morning America (both owned by Disney). Highlights go viral on TikTok and YouTube instantly!
Summary: Why This Matters
TL;DR – The Big Picture
- 11 new Disney Legends were honored at D23 2026 in Anaheim.
- Honorees span acting, music, leadership, animation, and Imagineering.
- Anne Hathaway celebrated family; Bob Iger praised creatives; The Rock preached kindness; Jonas Brothers thanked fans; Lin-Manuel Miranda sang a love letter to Disney.
- The Disney Legends award = the ultimate "thank you" from the House of Mouse.
- 329 Legends total since 1987—each one helped build the magic we grew up with.
Final Thought
Disney isn’t just a company—it’s a shared language of wonder. The Legends are the translators who turned dreams into movies, rides, songs, and stories that live in our hearts forever.
Who would YOU nominate for a future Disney Legend?
(Maybe your favorite voice actor? The composer who wrote your childhood lullaby? The Imagineer who designed the ride you rode 50 times?)
The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of ABC News. (Original article disclosure preserved.)
Article adapted from Good Morning America’s coverage of the 2026 Disney Legends Awards at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.