The Disney Legends 2026 class has officially been unveiled, and it’s one of the most diverse and star-studded rosters the company has ever assembled. From a former CEO who transformed Disney into the entertainment titan it is today, to Hollywood A-listers who got their start inside the Mouse House, this year’s honorees represent the full spectrum of creative and executive talent that has shaped nearly a century of Disney magic. The inductees will be celebrated at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, with Ryan Seacrest hosting the ceremony at the Honda Center in Anaheim on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
What Is the Disney Legends Award?
Established in 1987, the Disney Legends Award stands as the company’s most prestigious honor, recognizing individuals whose extraordinary contributions have left an indelible mark on the Disney legacy. Recipients receive a two-foot-tall bronze statuette designed by the Imagineering legends who created the original likeness of Walt Disney seated beside Mickey Mouse. With the addition of the 2026 class, the total number of inductees will rise to 329, cementing each new class’s place within a storied tradition spanning nearly four decades.
“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.
Executive Visionaries Take Center Stage
Bob Iger: The Architect of Modern Disney
Few names are more synonymous with modern Disney success than Bob Iger. The former Chairman and CEO, who steered the Walt Disney Company through its most ambitious era of expansion, will be honored among the Disney Legends 2026 class. During his tenure, Iger orchestrated some of the most consequential acquisitions in entertainment history, bringing Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm under the Disney umbrella. These strategic moves reshaped the global entertainment landscape and added beloved franchises like Star Wars, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Toy Story to Disney’s already formidable portfolio. His induction represents a full-circle moment for a leader whose vision helped transform Disney into the entertainment powerhouse it remains today.
Kim Irvine: An Imagineering Stalwart
Joining Iger from the executive ranks is Kim Irvine, a 55-year veteran of Walt Disney Imagineering. Irvine’s career has been deeply intertwined with the creative development of Disneyland Park, where she has spent decades shaping the guest experience through meticulous design and storytelling. Her longevity and dedication embody the spirit of Imagineering, the secretive creative engine behind Disney’s theme park innovations. Honoring Irvine alongside Iger underscores Disney’s commitment to recognizing not only the corporate leaders but also the behind-the-scenes craftspeople who bring the magic to life.
The Voices and Music Behind the Magic
The Disney Legends 2026 class also celebrates the voices and musical talents that have defined the signature Disney “sound” for generations.
Susan Egan: Broadway’s Original Belle
Susan Egan first captured Disney audiences as the original Belle in the Broadway production of “Beauty and the Beast,” a role that earned her a Tony Award nomination and cemented her as a fixture in Disney theatrical history. She later lent her voice to Megara in the animated classic “Hercules,” adding another iconic character to her Disney résumé. Egan’s dual contributions to both the stage and screen make her a beloved figure among Disney fans of all ages.
The Jonas Brothers: Two Decades of Disney Magic
Few acts have been more closely associated with Disney Channel than the Jonas Brothers. As the trio celebrates their 20th anniversary, their induction into the Disney Legends recognizes their outsized influence on a generation of young fans. From their early days headlining the Disney Channel original movie “Camp Rock” to starring in their own series, Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas became cultural icons while remaining firmly rooted in the Disney family. Their honor comes in the categories of Television and Music, reflecting the breadth of their Disney contributions.
Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Songwriting Genius
Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda joins the 2026 class as one of the most influential songwriters of his generation. His work on “Moana” and “Encanto” produced chart-topping hits like “We Know the Way” and the Oscar-nominated “Dos Oruguitas,” along with the ubiquitous earworm “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.” Miranda’s ability to weave cultural authenticity with universally appealing melodies has redefined what a Disney soundtrack can sound like, making his inclusion among the Disney Legends 2026 honorees a particularly meaningful acknowledgment of his artistic impact.
The Filmmakers and On-Screen Stars
Jerry Bruckheimer: The Blockbuster Producer
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has been a cornerstone of Disney’s live-action success for decades. His stewardship of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise helped launch one of the studio’s most lucrative film series, transforming Johnny Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow into a cultural phenomenon and revitalizing Disney’s tentpole strategy. Bruckheimer’s influence extends across numerous Disney productions, making him a natural fit for Legend status.
Eric Goldberg: The Animator Behind the Genie
Animator Eric Goldberg is celebrated for bringing some of Disney’s most beloved characters to life on screen. Most famously, he directed the animation of the Genie in “Aladdin,” a performance so electrifying that it remains one of the most quoted and imitated animated characters of all time. Goldberg’s career spans decades of Disney Animation excellence, and his induction honors the countless artists whose brushwork defines the studio’s signature style.
Anne Hathaway: From Princess Diaries to Legend
Before she became an Academy Award-winning actress, Anne Hathaway got her very start in the Disney machine. Her breakout role as Mia Thermopolis in “The Princess Diaries” introduced her to audiences worldwide, launching a career that would include an Oscar for “Les Misérables” and memorable turns in films like “The Dark Knight Rises” and “The Intern.” Hathaway’s journey from Disney Channel ingénue to Hollywood royalty makes her Disney Legend induction a heartfelt acknowledgment of where it all began.
Dwayne Johnson: From Wrestling Ring to Disney Royalty
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has become one of Disney’s most bankable stars, with a relationship that spans voice work and live-action blockbuster films. He voiced the demigod Maui in “Moana,” delivering a performance that resonated with audiences of all ages and spawned a beloved sequel. His live-action turn in “Jungle Cruise” further cemented his status as a modern Disney icon, while his multifaceted presence across the studio’s slate of films makes him a deserving member of the Disney Legends 2026 class.
Alan Tudyk: The Voice Behind Every Disney Animation Character
Alan Tudyk has quietly become one of the most consistent presences in Disney Animation. Since voicing King Candy in “Wreck-It Ralph” in 2012, he has appeared in every single subsequent Walt Disney Animation Studios film, ranging from “Frozen” to “Wish.” His remarkable track record and chameleon-like vocal range make him a true Disney institution, and his induction highlights the often-unheralded voice actors who bring animated worlds to life.
Chris Berman: The Voice of ESPN
No discussion of modern Disney would be complete without recognizing the company’s sports broadcasting empire. Chris Berman, the foundational voice of ESPN for more than 40 years, joins the 2026 class in the Television category. Berman’s distinctive catchphrases, encyclopedic knowledge, and boundless enthusiasm helped shape ESPN into the cultural institution it is today. His induction underscores the breadth of the Disney Legends program, which honors contributions across every facet of the company’s vast portfolio.
The Complete Disney Legends 2026 Class
Here is the full roster of Disney Legends 2026 honorees and their categories:
- Chris Berman , Television
- Jerry Bruckheimer , Film
- Susan Egan , Voice
- Eric Goldberg , Animation
- Anne Hathaway , Film
- Bob Iger , Leadership
- Kim Irvine , Imagineering
- Dwayne Johnson , Film & Voice
- Jonas Brothers , Television & Music
- Lin-Manuel Miranda , Music & Film
- Alan Tudyk , Voice & Film
How to Watch the Disney Legends 2026 Ceremony
For fans hoping to witness the magic live, the Disney Legends 2026 induction ceremony will take place on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, as part of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. Hosted by television personality Ryan Seacrest, the ceremony promises to be a memorable celebration of storytelling, creativity, and legacy. Those unable to attend in person can stream the event live on Disney+, ensuring that fans around the world can share in the moment when these luminaries officially take their place among the Disney Legends.
Conclusion
The Disney Legends 2026 class is a remarkable tribute to the breadth and depth of the Walt Disney Company’s influence on global entertainment. From executives like Bob Iger who reshaped the company’s future, to performers like Anne Hathaway and Dwayne Johnson who became cultural icons through Disney-backed projects, each honoree represents a unique thread in the tapestry of the Disney legacy. The inclusion of musical visionaries like Lin-Manuel Miranda and the Jonas Brothers, alongside behind-the-scenes legends like Eric Goldberg and Kim Irvine, demonstrates that Disney’s magic is crafted by countless hands, voices, and minds. As the total count rises to 329, this newest class stands as a powerful reminder that the Disney story is still being written, one legend at a time.