Bob Iger Becomes a Disney Legend, Applauds New CEO Josh D’Amaro

The former CEO of Disney, Bob Iger, recently capped off an eventful week by being inducted as a Disney Legend at the company’s D23 fan event. This prestigious honor followed closely on the heels of the significant news that he was partnering with investor Joshua Kushner in a bid to acquire the Los Angeles Lakers, a move that garnered considerable attention in both the business and sports worlds. The Disney Legends ceremony, held at the Honda Center in Anaheim, saw Iger join a distinguished class of inductees. This year’s honorees included notable personalities from various fields, such as sportscaster Chris Berman, acclaimed producer Jerry Bruckheimer, Broadway star Susan Egan, animator Eric Goldberg, Hollywood actress Anne Hathaway, Disney Imagineer Kim Irvine, global superstar Dwayne Johnson, the musical group the Jonas Brothers, multi-talented Lin-Manuel Miranda, and celebrated voice actor Alan Tudyk.

The event itself was a star-studded affair, with numerous prominent figures attending to celebrate Iger’s contributions. Among those present to bestow the final award of the evening upon him were legendary sportscaster Al Michaels, renowned journalist Diane Sawyer, popular actress Ellen Pompeo, iconic actor Robert Downey Jr., and the venerable Harrison Ford. Clearly moved by the recognition, Iger addressed the crowd, remarking on the unique experience of being on the receiving end of an award he had so often presented to others. He playfully acknowledged the immense talent of his fellow inductees, joking that Lin-Manuel Miranda made him feel “talentless,” Anne Hathaway made him feel “stiff,” and Dwayne Johnson made him feel “small.” He even quipped about his biceps not being able to handle the Legends Trophy.

During his speech, Iger reflected on the immense joy he felt in receiving the award, stating that while giving out the Legends awards was fun, “getting one, it’s even fun.” He also took a moment to address the current Disney CEO, Josh D’Amaro, who had been a prominent figure throughout the D23 events all weekend. Iger expressed his pride in D’Amaro, stating, “Josh, you’re wearing that title really well, and I am so proud to call you my successor.” Emphasizing the profound impact of his tenure, Iger later highlighted the unparalleled privilege of entertaining audiences globally through Disney, underscoring the significant responsibility that came with it. He shared his belief that having the ability to make the world a better place through entertainment was an exceptional life experience, for which he was incredibly grateful. He extended his gratitude not only to the company’s talented individuals who had partnered with him over the years but also to the “thousands and thousands of cast members who make this company really what it is.”

Concluding his heartfelt remarks, Iger reminisced about his journey, noting that it had been 20 years since he was appointed CEO of the remarkable company. He described it as “a ride of a lifetime,” a direct reference to his memoir of the same title. He concluded by expressing his profound appreciation to everyone – audiences, subscribers, moviegoers, park guests, and D23 members – for making his time at Disney such a wonderful and memorable ride.