The D23 Disney Legends Ceremony recently served as the stage for a major industry milestone as former CEO Bob Iger was officially inducted into the company hall of fame. Iger, who guided the media giant through significant growth and various challenges over his tenure, was celebrated by a star-studded group of collaborators and colleagues who gathered to honor his long-standing impact on the studio.
Iger is recognized as the first executive to receive the official Disney Legend designation. He joined a 2026 class that includes notable talents such as Anne Hathaway and Lin-Manuel Miranda. The induction ceremony featured heartfelt tributes from several high-profile figures, including Robert Downey Jr. and Harrison Ford, who took the stage to share personal reflections on Iger’s leadership and career.
A Legacy of Bold Choices
The event was marked by a passing of the torch, as Iger was introduced by his successor, Josh D’Amaro, who officially took over as the head of Disney in March 2026. D’Amaro praised Iger for his integrity and optimism, noting that his friendship has been a significant part of their working relationship. Downey Jr. also offered a poignant tribute, highlighting Iger’s courage in making bold choices and his ability to empower others to exceed their own limitations.
During his acceptance speech, Iger expressed gratitude for the recognition, particularly given the caliber of his fellow inductees. He emphasized that his role as an executive was primarily to support the creators and talent who drive the company forward. He specifically acknowledged the contributions of producers, songwriters, and actors, stating that he accepted the award on behalf of the entire creative community that he has worked alongside for decades.
Reflecting on an Historic Career
Iger’s journey with the company began in 1974 as a runner at ABC. He eventually rose to become the programming head and CEO of the network before Disney acquired ABC in 1996. In 2005, he succeeded Michael Eisner as the CEO of the Walt Disney Company. His leadership was defined by a series of major acquisitions that reshaped the entertainment landscape, including the purchases of Pixar in 2006, Marvel in 2009, and Lucasfilm in 2012.
After stepping down in 2021, Iger returned to the company in 2022 following the departure of his successor, Bob Chapek. He officially resigned as CEO at the beginning of 2026, passing the leadership role to D’Amaro. While he has stepped back from the top executive position, Iger will continue to serve as a senior advisor and board member through the end of the year, marking the conclusion of a transformative chapter in the history of the studio.
Source: Variety
