Disney’s Legends, the biannual event, is to recognize contributions and excellence to the Walt Disney Company. After standing in line for a number to enter D23 for the ceremony and being seated on the far edge, the program started. Bob Iger welcomed everyone and introduced Christina Aguilera for a music performance. Originally the program was to have eleven Legends recognized but a twelfth was added.
The first honoree was Robert Downey Jr. He was recognized for his ten movies as Ironman, and creating the Marvel Studios, as well as his large body of work. He talked about his experience as a student when he had his first Disneyland experience. He started with Disney in the remake of “The Shaggy Dog” in 2006.
The next recipient was Diane Sawyer from ABC News. Diane was recognized for her lifetime of work at ABC. She thanked Bob Iger for his support when he became the head of ABC News. She also talked about her working with Robin Roberts and messing up her name and Robin’s time at ESPN.
The third Legend to be announced was John Favreu. John was recognized for his multiple contributions to Disney. He has worked in TV and films, doing voice work, writing screen plays, acting, coproducing films, and directing movies. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe he directed and append in the first Ironman movie. He played Tony Stark’s bodyguard. He continues working at Disney with directing the live action “The Mandalorian”, a Star Wars show for Disney.
Hans Zimmer was the next honoree. His recognition comes from his over 160 musical scores. His works include “The Lion King” as well as composing, editing, and producing the music for the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise. His most current work is the remake of “The Lion King”.
The next person to be honored was Robin Roberts. Robin was being recognized for her over 30 years of broadcasting with ABC News, and ESPN. She has received four Emmys for her work at GMA. She has stated her own production company and a book published by Hyperion Press. Besides all of her professional work when she became ill she was instrumental in sharing the importance of bone marrow donations. She thanked ABC, Disney and Bob Iger for staying with her over the 6 months she was out. Robin spoke about her first time at a Disney park when her family took her to Disneyworld.
The next recipient was Barnette Rici. Ms. Rici worked at Disney Parks as a choreographer of Disney parades worldwide. She did the Christmas Parades, Electric Light Parade, and created Fantasmic. Fantasmic was the first project to use mist screens and laser lights. Before retiring in 2013 she moved to Disney Studios running and producing special events and premieres. Here carrier with Disney spanned over 40 years.
The seventh honoree was Christina Aguilera. She was the twelfth name added to the list. Christina joined Disney as a member of “The New Mickey Mouse Club”. She then went on to sing “Reflection” for the credits of the movie “Mulan”. Her carrier of 30 years has included Dancing with the Stars and dozens of Disney shows, and performing in the parks.
Speaking of “Mulan” the next recipient of the Disney Legends Award was Ming-Na Wen, who was the voice of Mulan. Ming-Na work with Disney has been in films, “Marvel Agents of Shield” as agent Melinda May. She also has done voice work in many TV shows and movies. In November she will complete the trifecta of Disney projects when she joins the Star War Universe when she starts in “The Mandalorian”. She also worked for Hollywood Pictures in the movie “The Joy Luck Club”.
James Earl Jones was the next recipient. He was recognized for his acting career and voices. He is known for “The Lion King” and the voice of Darth Vader in “Star Wars” He is reprising his role of Mufasa in the remake of “The Lion King”.
Following the video acceptance of Mr. Jones award the honoring of Wing T. Chao was announced. Mr. Chao, Vice President of Imagineering and Architecture. His work includes keeping the park themes in the hotels supporting the parks. He was responsible for the design and development of the all parks outside the US, as well as cruise ships. His work is involved in every property Disney owns. His acceptance speech was funny as he now wants to start his second career as an actor like Jackie Chan.
Next was Kenny Ortega, who has worked as a choreographer, Producer, and director. His body of work includes various Disney shows. His first film was Disney’s “Newsies” followed by “Hocus Pocus”. He has worked on “High School Musical” as well as various concert tours.
Speaking of “Hocus Pocus”, the final recipient of the 2019 Disney Legends Award was the Divine Ms. M, Bette Midler. Her work with Disney started when the opened the new division Touchstone Pictures. Her films included “Down and Out in Beverly Hill”, “Outrageous People”, and others. In 1998 she appeared in the smash hit “Beaches” with the song “Wind Beneath My Wings”. She also did shorts for the Disney Parks. Unfortunately, she couldn’t attend due to weather issues her daughter delivered her acceptance speech
The Disney Legends Award is 2 feet tall and very impressive. It consists of three parts. First is the spiral which represents the idea of the power of imagination. The second is the hand for the skill, craftsmanship, and discipline. The wand and star are the third part represents magic, which ignites imagination.
