Bob Iger has been officially inducted into Disney’s hall of fame at the D23 ceremony, marking a historic moment as the first executive to receive the company’s prestigious Disney Legend designation. The 75-year-old former chief executive, who served the company in two separate tenures, joins a 2026 class that includes actress Anne Hathaway and composer Lin-Manuel Miranda.
The ceremony featured an impressive lineup of speakers who celebrated Iger’s career and leadership. Current Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro, who took over the role in March, introduced his predecessor and praised his character and values. Actor Robert Downey Jr. highlighted Iger’s courage and bold decision-making, while other notable figures including Harrison Ford, Ellen Pompeo, and Diane Sawyer took the stage to share their reflections on his impact.
Iger’s tenure at Disney spanned decades, beginning with a runner position at ABC in 1974. He climbed the ranks to become ABC’s programming head and CEO before Disney acquired the network in 1996. As Disney’s chief executive starting in 2005, Iger orchestrated transformative acquisitions including Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm that fundamentally shaped the company’s modern portfolio.
In his acceptance speech, Iger emphasized the importance of supporting creative talent rather than executive authority, dedicating the award to the producers, songwriters, and performers who drive the company forward. He offered words of encouragement for D’Amaro, expressing pride in his successor before transitioning to a senior advisor role.
Originally reported by Variety →
About the Author
