Disney recently interviewed Bob Iger, the former CEO of Disney—where he reflected on his contributions to the company and what it means to be named a Disney Legend.
Disney Legends – Bob Iger
Bob Iger first started his career at ABC in 1974 and never imagined that one day he would be honored as a Disney Legend, a class filled with people he has admired throughout his career. At the time, all he focused on was doing his job to the best of his ability, but he grew to appreciate the opportunity to work for Disney, a company that values creativity, imagination, innovation, and storytelling.
What sets Disney apart from other companies, in Iger’s opinion, is the fact that almost everyone, somewhere in their life, has a Disney story or memory. “We are more than a company; Disney is a cultural companion for so many.” That deep connection with audiences carries a tremendous responsibility for everyone who works at Disney.
When Iger first became CEO of Disney, he recognized that the values that define Disney are timeless, but as the world continues to evolve, companies who fail to be adaptable eventually lose relevance. He established three priorities: “Invest in high-quality branded content, embrace technology, and become a truly global company.” He views these goals as inseparable, not competing with each other.
Certain milestones also stand out for Iger during his tenure at Disney, including becoming CEO in 2005; opening Shanghai Disney Resort in 2016; launching Disney+; and acquiring Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox. These moments represented a belief in the future, a willingness to take risks, and the success of talented people coming together.
These acquisitions provided new opportunities for storytelling and wide-reaching impact, whether through a new park attraction, movie, cruise experience, or consumer product.
One of Iger’s priorities from the beginning was helping Disney become a truly global company. Opening Shanghai Disney Resort reflected that priority and the belief that great storytelling is universal. Shanghai Disney Resort is described as “authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese, because we wanted it to reflect both Disney’s heritage and the culture of the people it was built for.” Global expansion also allows Disney to reach new audiences and learn from other cultures.
Coming back to Disney also gave Iger the unique “opportunity to step away from the company, observe it from the outside, and then return during a period of significant challenge and change.” Iger notes that uncertainty is not an occasional challenge for leaders, but a constant. It’s important to be adaptable and stay focused on what matters most.
2026 Class of Disney Legends
The 2026 class of Disney Legends will be inducted at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event this weekend. The ceremony, hosted by Ryan Seacrest, will be live-streamed on Disney+ Sunday.
You can view the full list of Disney Legends either alphabetically or by year they were recognized.
The 2026 class and their categories are as follows:
- Chris Berman, Television (ESPN SportsCenter anchor)
- Jerry Bruckheimer, Film (Pirates of the Caribbean and National Treasure producer)
- Susan Egan, Voice (originated Belle on Broadway and voice of Megara in Hercules)
- Eric Goldberg, Animation (Genie animator)
- Anne Hathaway, Film (The Princess Diaries, Alice in Wonderland, The Devil Wears Prada)
- Bob Iger, Leadership (former Disney CEO)
- Kim Irvine, Imagineering (Disneyland designer and voice of Leota for Haunted Mansion Holiday)
- Dwayne Johnson, Film & Voice (Moana, Jungle Cruise, Zootopia 2)
- Jonas Brothers, Television & Music (Camp Rock among more Disney films and albums)
- Lin-Manuel Miranda, Film & Music (Hamilton, Moana, Encanto)
- Alan Tudyk, Film & Voice (Wreck-It Ralph, Moana, Frozen, Encanto, Zootopia, Rogue One, Andor)
Select Disney Legends appeared in a one-day-only cavalcade with characters and the Disneyland Band on D23 Day today at Disneyland. View the cavalcade here.
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