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Bob Iger is officially a legend within the Disney kingdom.
We can’t call it surprising that the media giant named its former CEO (twice over) to its hall of fame, but it’s certainly fitting. Iger, 75, has guided the company
to delirious heights of success – and through some of its darkest ever hours.
Disney insiders said Iger is the first executive to ever be named an official “Disney Legend,” joining a 2026 class that includes Anne Hathaway (“The Princess Diaries,” “The Devil Wears Prada” franchise) and Lin-Manuel Miranda (“Mary Poppins Returns,” “Moana”).
Iger was introduced by his CEO successor, Josh D’Amaro, who officially took over as the head of Disney in March. Robert Downey Jr., Harrison Ford, Ellen Pompeo, Diane Sawyer and others also took the stage to honor Iger and reminisce about his impact on the Mouse House.
“What I’ve always admired the most about Bob is not necessarily what he’s accomplished; it is who he is,” D’Amaro said. “He leans with integrity. He leans with optimism. He treats everyone with respect, and he cares deeply about people, about Disney, and about the stories that we share in the whole world. I’ve been fortunate to get to work alongside him, and his friendship has meant more than I can say.”
“Fortune favors the brave,” said Downey Jr. “To me, those four words explain Mr. Iger’s primary quality: it’s courage. It’s the bold choices in the face of incredible risk, trusting your instincts, empowering people to aspire beyond their limitations. And as he closes this chapter and begins the next, somehow, somehow, seems like he’s still just only getting started. That is, Bob, why you truly are the legend in every sense of the word.”
“Now, over the years, I’ve had the privilege of giving this award out to dozens and dozens of truly worthy people, unbelievably talented people who contributed so much to this company, and so it is an incredible honor for me to receive that same award, particularly with this unbelievable class,” Iger said.
He later shared some words of encouragement for D’Amaro: “To Josh D’Amaro, you’re wearing that title really well. I am so proud to call you my successor.”
Toward the end of his speech, Iger shared some love for all the talent he worked with during his time at Disney.
“It’s not lost on me; I’m the executive in the room,” Iger said. “What executives typically do is they sign checks and they turn the lights on in the morning. I usually make coffee. But more than anything else, we’re around to support creators, the true talent that drives this company forward. Whether it’s producers like Jerry Bruckheimer, songwriters like Lin, or actors like Dwayne and Anne. I could go on and one. Singers, dancers, you name it. And so I accept this award for all of you.”
Iger started his CEO trajectory in 1974 as a runner at ABC. He ascended to programming head and CEO at the network by 1996, when Disney acquired ABC and its parent company, Capital Cities. He was named CEO of the Walt Disney Company in 2005, succeeding Michael Eisner. That kicked off an historic run of transactions that power the company’s content today. Multi-billion acquisitions shepherded by Iger include Pixar in 2006, Marvel in 2009 and Lucasfilm in 2012.
In 2021, Iger stepped down as CEO after an emergency extension related to COVID. His successor, Bob Chapek, was ousted in 2022, bringing Iger back into the fold. He officially resigned again as CEO at the top of 2026, succeeded by D’Amaro. Iger will remain a senior advisor and board member until the end of the year.
