The Walt Disney Company has officially inducted the Disney Legends 2026 class, bestowing the studio’s highest individual honor upon a stellar group of artists, visionaries, and executives. Spanning live-action film, animation, Broadway stagecraft, theme park Imagineering, television broadcasting, and executive leadership, this year’s roster represents the very heartbeat of modern Disney storytelling.
First established in 1987, the Disney Legends Award recognizes individuals whose imagination, technical mastery, and creative leadership have left an indelible imprint on Disney’s global legacy. The 2026 class spotlights 13 visionary individuals across 11 awards—ranging from global box-office giants like Anne Hathaway and Dwayne Johnson to longtime former Disney CEO Bob Iger and master animator Eric Goldberg.
Below is the definitive, comprehensive guide to the Disney Legends 2026 honorees, detailing each inductee’s career achievements, their historic contributions to the Disney universe, and the full story behind the D23 induction ceremony.
What Is the Disney Legends Award?
The Disney Legends program was created during the tenure of former CEO Michael Eisner to celebrate the extraordinary talents who build the worlds Disney fans love.
The inaugural Disney Legend inducted was actor Fred MacMurray in 1987 (famous for The Shaggy Dog, The Absent-Minded Professor, and Follow Me, Boys!). Over the past four decades, the roster has grown to include cultural titans such as Julie Andrews, George Lucas, Jim Henson, Angela Lansbury, Robin Williams, Steve Jobs, and Robert Downey Jr.
The Disney Legend Trophy & Handprint Tradition
Recipients of the Disney Legends Award receive:
- The Bronze Disney Legends Trophy: An elegant bronze sculpture designed by Disney Legend Andrea Favilli, depicting Mickey Mouse’s arm holding a star-tipped wand, symbolizing imagination, creativity, and magic.
- Handprint Plaque Induction: Honorees participate in a traditional hand-casting ceremony. Their bronze handprints and signatures are permanently installed at the Disney Legends Plaza located at The Walt Disney Studios headquarters in Burbank, California, as well as in international Disney park showcases.
- Lifetime Fellowship: Legends join an exclusive guild of storytellers, often returning as keynote speakers, mentors, and brand ambassadors across Disney parks, films, and archival events.
Quick Overview: Disney Legends 2026 Class at a Glance
The class of 2026 represents a dynamic balance between classic Disney heritage, modern franchise builders, and foundational behind-the-scenes pioneers.
| Honoree | Category / Discipline | Notable Disney Projects & Milestones |
| Chris Berman | Television / Sports Broadcasting | SportsCenter, Sunday NFL Countdown, 40+ years anchoring ESPN |
| Jerry Bruckheimer | Film Production | Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, National Treasure series |
| Susan Egan | Voice Acting & Broadway | Original Broadway Belle (Beauty and the Beast), Megara (Hercules) |
| Eric Goldberg | Animation & Directing | Lead Animator for Genie (Aladdin), Phil (Hercules), Co-Director (Pocahontas) |
| Anne Hathaway | Film | The Princess Diaries 1 & 2, Alice in Wonderland, The Devil Wears Prada |
| Bob Iger | Leadership | CEO of The Walt Disney Company; oversaw Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox acquisitions |
| Kim Irvine | Walt Disney Imagineering | Decades directing Disneyland art & concepts; Haunted Mansion Holiday, New Orleans Square |
| Dwayne Johnson | Film & Voice Acting | Maui in Moana & Moana 2, Frank Wolff in Jungle Cruise |
| Jonas Brothers (Nick, Joe, Kevin) | Television & Music | Camp Rock 1 & 2, JONAS, Hollywood Records multi-platinum albums |
| Lin-Manuel Miranda | Film & Music | Songwriter for Moana, Encanto, Mufasa: The Lion King, and star of Hamilton |
| Alan Tudyk | Film & Voice Acting | King Candy (Wreck-It Ralph), Heihei (Moana), K-2SO (Rogue One), Duke of Weselton (Frozen) |
In-Depth Profiles: The 2026 Disney Legends Honorees
┌───────────────────────────────┐
│ DISNEY LEGENDS 2026 │
└──────────────┬────────────────┘
┌───────────────────────────────┼──────────────────────────────┐
│ │ │
┌────────┴────────┐ ┌────────┴────────┐ ┌────────┴────────┐
│ Screen & Stage │ │ Animation & Art │ │ Studio & Legacy │
├─────────────────┤ ├─────────────────┤ ├─────────────────┤
│• Anne Hathaway │ │• Eric Goldberg │ │• Bob Iger │
│• Dwayne Johnson │ │• Kim Irvine │ │• Jerry │
│• Jonas Brothers │ │• Susan Egan │ │ Bruckheimer │
│• Lin-Manuel │ │• Alan Tudyk │ │• Chris Berman │
│ Miranda │ │ │ │ │
└─────────────────┘ └─────────────────┘ └─────────────────┘
Anne Hathaway (Film)
Anne Hathaway’s relationship with Disney marks one of modern cinema’s greatest breakout stories. In 2001, director Garry Marshall cast a teenage Hathaway alongside the legendary Julie Andrews in The Princess Diaries. Her performance as Mia Thermopolis, an awkward San Francisco teenager who discovers she is the heir to the throne of Genovia, captured the hearts of millions and established her as a generational screen talent.
Hathaway reprised her royal role in The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004) and went on to deliver standout performances across other Disney-affiliated banners:
- The White Queen (Mirana of Marmoreal): Bringing ethereal eccentricity to Tim Burton’s blockbuster Alice in Wonderland (2010) and Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016).
- The Devil Wears Prada (2006): Starring as Andy Sachs in the Fox 2000 classic, now part of Disney’s film portfolio.
Hathaway’s induction cements her place as one of Disney’s most cherished leading ladies.
Bob Iger (Leadership)
Few executives in entertainment history have shaped an enterprise as profoundly as Robert A. Iger. Over his historic tenure as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of The Walt Disney Company, Iger transformed Disney from a traditional media studio into the undisputed global leader in entertainment.
Key Acquisitions & Milestones Under Bob Iger:
- Pixar Animation Studios (2006): Re-energized Disney animation and brought creative leaders like Steve Jobs and John Lasseter into the fold.
- Marvel Entertainment (2009): Formed the foundation for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), generating over $30 billion in box office revenue.
- Lucasfilm (2012): Revitalized Star Wars for new generations across films, theme park expansions (Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge), and Disney+ streaming series.
- 21st Century Fox (2019): Brought Avatar, The Simpsons, FX, and National Geographic under the Disney umbrella.
- Shanghai Disney Resort (2016): Spearheaded Disney’s monumental, multi-billion-dollar entry into mainland China.
- Disney+ Launch (2019): Successfully navigated the company into the direct-to-consumer digital streaming era.
Iger’s leadership emphasized creative excellence, technological innovation, and global expansion, making his induction into the Disney Legends class of 2026 a milestone moment.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (Film & Voice)
Dwayne Johnson’s charismatic presence has revitalized some of Disney’s biggest cinematic and live-action properties. Johnson achieved Disney immortality with his vocal and musical performance as the shape-shifting demigod Maui in the 2016 animated sensation Moana. His performance of “You’re Welcome” (written by fellow 2026 Legend Lin-Manuel Miranda) became a multi-platinum global anthem.
Beyond Moana and Moana 2 (2024), Johnson starred as skipper Frank Wolff in the live-action adventure Jungle Cruise (2021), directly inspired by the classic Disney theme park attraction. Through Seven Bucks Productions, Johnson continues to collaborate closely with Disney on expansive family entertainment and live-action adaptations.
Alan Tudyk (Voice & Film)
Often described by Disney animators as the studio’s modern “good luck charm,” character actor Alan Tudyk has voiced a character in every major Walt Disney Animation Studios feature since 2012.
Alan Tudyk’s Iconic Disney Characters:
- King Candy / Turbo – Wreck-It Ralph (2012)
- Duke of Weselton – Frozen (2013)
- Duke Weaselton – Zootopia (2016)
- Heihei & Villager – Moana (2016) & Moana 2 (2024)
- K-2SO – Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) & Andor
- KnowsMore – Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018)
- Tuk Tuk – Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)
- Valentino the Goat – Wish (2023)
Tudyk’s unmatched vocal versatility and physical comedy have brought dynamic personality to heroes, villains, droids, and comedic animal sidekicks alike.
Lin-Manuel Miranda (Film & Music)
Composer, lyricist, producer, and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda has redefined the Disney musical theater landscape for the 21st century.
- Moana (2016): Co-wrote the Oscar-nominated soundtrack, including “How Far I’ll Go” and “We Know the Way”.
- Encanto (2021): Composed the viral soundtrack featuring the Billboard Hot 100 #1 smash “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” “Surface Pressure,” and the Oscar-nominated “Dos Oruguitas.”
- Mary Poppins Returns (2018): Starred as Jack the lamplighter alongside Emily Blunt.
- Hamilton (2020 on Disney+): Brought his groundbreaking, Pulitzer Prize-winning musical to millions of homes worldwide.
- Mufasa: The Lion King (2024): Composed original songs for Barry Jenkins’ prequel to the animated classic.
Miranda’s polyrhythmic storytelling and emotional depth have cemented his legacy alongside Disney songwriting greats like the Sherman Brothers and Alan Menken.
The Jonas Brothers: Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas (Television & Music)
The Jonas Brothers—Kevin, Joe, and Nick—served as the definitive musical voice of late-2000s Disney Channel culture.
- Camp Rock & Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam: Starred as Shane, Nate, and Jason Gray alongside Demi Lovato, generating record-breaking television ratings and multi-platinum soundtrack sales.
- JONAS / JONAS L.A.: Headlined their own Disney Channel sitcom, showcasing their comedic talents and original pop-rock catalog.
- Hollywood Records: Released chart-topping albums including It’s About Time, Jonas Brothers, and A Little Bit Longer.
With over 20 million records sold and enduring global tours, the Jonas Brothers’ roots in the Disney family laid the foundation for one of pop music’s most enduring brotherhoods.
Susan Egan (Voice & Broadway)
Susan Egan holds a uniquely historic position in Disney history, bridging both theatrical Broadway stages and feature animation.
- Belle in Disney on Broadway’s Beauty and the Beast (1994): Egan originated the role of Belle in Disney’s very first Broadway production, earning a Tony Award nomination and setting the standard for Disney theatrical adaptations.
- Megara in Hercules (1997): Egan provided the sassy, jazz-infused voice of Megara in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Hercules, singing the beloved classic “I Won’t Say (I’m in Love)”.
- Disney Princess The Concert: Co-founded and produced the national touring concert celebration honoring Disney heroines.
Her contributions as an actress, vocalist, and mentor have inspired generations of musical theater performers.
Eric Goldberg (Animation)
Eric Goldberg is one of the most celebrated traditional character animators in animation history. Known for his fluid, expressive squash-and-stretch style influenced by classic theatrical shorts, Goldberg gave life to several of Disney’s most iconic characters:
- The Genie in Aladdin (1992): Supervising animator who collaborated closely with Robin Williams to create one of the most expressive animated characters ever put on screen.
- Co-Director of Pocahontas (1995): Helmed the historical animated drama alongside Mike Gabriel.
- Phil (Philoctetes) in Hercules (1997): Supervised the animation for Danny DeVito’s comedic satyr trainer.
- Fantasia 2000 (1999): Directed the “Rhapsody in Blue” and “Carnival of the Animals” segments, blending Al Hirschfeld-style caricature with orchestral music.
- Louis in The Princess and the Frog (2009): Supervised the jazz-loving alligator.
Goldberg remains an active guardian and educator of hand-drawn animation techniques at Walt Disney Animation Studios.
Kim Irvine (Walt Disney Imagineering)
Theme park magic requires vision, architecture, and respect for heritage—qualities embodied by Walt Disney Imagineering Executive Creative Director Kim Irvine.
With more than 50 years at Imagineering, Irvine has served as the guardian of Disneyland Park in Anaheim. Her legacy is also deeply personal: her mother was original Imagineer and Disney Legend Leota Toombs, whose face and voice gave birth to Madame Leota in the Haunted Mansion. Kim Irvine famously continued the family legacy by portraying Madame Leota in the holiday overlay Haunted Mansion Holiday.
Kim Irvine’s Major Projects:
- Artistic direction and color styling for Main Street, U.S.A., Fantasyland, and New Orleans Square at Disneyland.
- Renovation and maintenance of Sleeping Beauty Castle, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Haunted Mansion.
- Adapting classic attractions to modern storytelling while preserving Walt Disney’s original aesthetic principles.
Jerry Bruckheimer (Film)
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has produced some of the most lucrative and culturally impactful live-action blockbusters in Disney history.
- Pirates of the Caribbean Franchise: In 2003, Bruckheimer partnered with Disney to transform a classic theme park boat ride into Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. The five-film franchise went on to gross over $4.5 billion worldwide.
- National Treasure (2004) & Book of Secrets (2007): Reimagined American history as an adrenaline-fueled family adventure series starring Nicolas Cage.
- Touchstone & Disney Releases: Produced classics including Remember the Titans, Armageddon, Con Air, and The Rock.
Bruckheimer brought high-octane production values and epic cinematic scope to the Disney brand.
Chris Berman (Television & Sports Broadcasting)
For over four decades, Chris “Boomer” Berman has been the signature voice and anchor of ESPN, which Disney acquired via Capital Cities/ABC in 1996.
Joining ESPN in October 1979—just one month after the network launched—Berman helped turn a fledgling 24-hour cable experiment into the worldwide leader in sports broadcasting. Known for his booming delivery, signature home-run catchphrases (“Back, back, back, gone!”), and charismatic player nicknames, Berman anchored SportsCenter, Sunday NFL Countdown, and the MLB Home Run Derby for generations of sports fans. His induction celebrates the foundational contribution of sports media to Disney’s global footprint.
The 2026 Disney Legends Induction Ceremony at D23
The formal induction of the 2026 Disney Legends took place as the grand finale of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ D23 DISNEY LEGENDS CEREMONY DETAILS │
├───────────────────────┬─────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Date & Time │ Sunday, August 16, 2026 | 1:30 PM PT │
│ Venue │ Honda Center, Anaheim, California │
│ Host │ Ryan Seacrest │
│ Global Broadcast │ Streamed exclusively on Disney+ │
│ Featured Highlights │ Live musical performances, speeches, │
│ │ handprint induction, archive tributes │
└───────────────────────┴─────────────────────────────────────────┘
Highlights from the Event
- Hosted by Ryan Seacrest: Returning to emcee the event, Seacrest guided fans and celebrity guests through nostalgic video retrospectives and heartfelt acceptance speeches.
- Musical Tributes: Broadway stars and surprise musical guests performed live orchestrations of classic tracks from Aladdin, Moana, Beauty and the Beast, and Encanto.
- D23 Disneyland Cavalcade: Honorees took part in a celebratory parade down Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland Park alongside characters and the Disneyland Band.
- Streaming on Disney+: The entire ceremony was live-streamed worldwide, allowing Disney fans across the globe to witness the inductions in real-time.
Why the 2026 Class Is Culturally Significant
The Disney Legends 2026 inductees capture a pivotal transition point in Disney history:
- The 2000s Pop & Millennial Era Recognized: The inclusion of Anne Hathaway (The Princess Diaries) and the Jonas Brothers marks an important recognition of the 2000s era that shaped Millennial and Gen-Z Disney fandom.
- Honoring Core Architecture & Imagineering: By honoring Kim Irvine and Eric Goldberg, Disney reaffirms its commitment to honoring the physical craftsmanship of theme parks and classic 2D hand-drawn animation.
- Strategic Franchise Architects: Inducting Bob Iger and Jerry Bruckheimer underscores how critical modern corporate acquisitions and cinematic world-building have been in solidifying Disney’s cultural dominance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is in the Disney Legends Class of 2026?
The 2026 Disney Legends class consists of 11 honorees (13 individuals):
- Chris Berman (Television/Sports)
- Jerry Bruckheimer (Film)
- Susan Egan (Voice & Broadway)
- Eric Goldberg (Animation)
- Anne Hathaway (Film)
- Bob Iger (Leadership)
- Kim Irvine (Imagineering)
- Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (Film & Voice)
- The Jonas Brothers – Nick, Joe, and Kevin Jonas (Television & Music)
- Lin-Manuel Miranda (Film & Music)
- Alan Tudyk (Film & Voice)
When and where was the 2026 Disney Legends Ceremony held?
The ceremony took place on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, serving as the closing showcase for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.
Who hosted the Disney Legends 2026 ceremony?
The ceremony was hosted by television personality and American Idol host Ryan Seacrest.
Can I watch the Disney Legends 2026 ceremony online?
Yes. The complete 2026 Disney Legends Awards ceremony was streamed on Disney+ and remains available on-demand for subscribers.
What criteria are used to select a Disney Legend?
Disney Legends are chosen by a selection committee of Disney executives and historians. Selection is based on an individual’s long-term creative, cultural, or business impact on The Walt Disney Company across film, television, animation, music, theme parks, and leadership.
Conclusion
The Disney Legends 2026 class showcases the extraordinary depth of talent that brings Disney magic into homes and theme parks worldwide. From classic Disney Channel memories and Broadway showstoppers to billion-dollar film franchises and groundbreaking theme park designs, these 11 honorees have left a legacy that will inspire future generations of storytellers.
