Disney Legend Bob Iger Honored at Star-Studded D23 Event

The former Disney boss was honored alongside several A-list celebrities at the D23 event on Sunday.

Just days after it was revealed that Bob Iger, the former Disney CEO, would be joining investor Joshua Kushner to buy the Los Angeles Lakers, he was honored as a Disney Legend at the company’s D23 fan event in Anaheim. He joined an impressive class of honorees, including Chris Berman, Jerry Bruckheimer, Susan Egan, Eric Goldberg, Anne Hathaway, Kim Irvine, Dwayne Johnson, the Jonas Brothers, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Alan Tudyk, in a ceremony at the Honda Center.

A number of big names also came out to support Iger, with Al Michaels, Diane Sawyer, Ellen Pompeo, Robert Downey Jr., and Harrison Ford all on hand to present him with the final award of the night.

“Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of giving this award out to dozens and dozens of truly worthy people, unbelievably talented individuals who contributed so much to this company,” Iger said. “And it is an incredible honor for me to receive that same award, particularly with this unbelievable class.”

Iger joked about feeling intimidated I was going to ask if I could hold the Legends Trophy, but my biceps couldn’t handle it.”

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He also took a moment to address new Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro — who has been holding court at D23 events all weekend — saying, “Josh, you’re wearing thatreally well, and I am so proud to call you my successor.”

In closing, Iger reflected on his time as CEO, saying, “Having the privilege of entertaining the world the way Disney does is quite a unique experience in life and a lot of responsibility. To have the ability just to make the world a better place is truly an exceptional life experience, and obviously, I am unbelievably grateful to have had that experience.”

He went on to thank the company’s talent for their years of partnership as well as “the thousands and thousands of cast members who make this company really what it is.”

In a heartwarming closing message, Iger said, “20 years ago, I was named CEO of this remarkable company, and I must say, no pun intended, it was a ride of a lifetime. Today is a vivid reminder of just what a wonderful ride that was. From the bottom of my heart, to all of you: to our audiences, to our subscribers, to our moviegoers, to our park guests, to our D23 members. Thank you very much.”