Disney reveals 2026 Legends class for D23, the ultimate Disney fan event.
Disney has revealed the 2026 class of Disney Legends, honoring a wide-ranging group of stars, storytellers, executives, musicians, and creative leaders whose work has helped define the company’s legacy across film, television, music, sports, and theme parks. The ceremony will take place during D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, which is scheduled for Aug. 14 through 16, 2026, in Anaheim, California. Ryan Seacrest will return as host for the Disney Legends Award ceremony on Sunday, Aug. 16, at 1:30 p.m. PT at the Honda Center. The event weekend is set for the Anaheim Convention Center and Honda Center.
This year’s honorees are Chris Berman, Jerry Bruckheimer, Susan Egan, Eric Goldberg, Anne Hathaway, Bob Iger, Kim Irvine, Dwayne Johnson, the Jonas Brothers, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Alan Tudyk. Disney also said the ceremony will stream on Disney+, giving fans around the world a chance to watch from home.
“D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is where we come together to give our incredible fans an early look at what’s coming next across our company, while celebrating the legacy of the extraordinary people whose creativity has shaped Disney into what it is today,” Josh D’Amaro, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, said in the announcement. “It’s an honor to celebrate our Disney Legends — their impact is felt in everything we do, and recognizing them alongside the fans who love their work is what makes this event so meaningful.”
A Class That Covers Every Corner of Disney
The 2026 Disney Legends class reflects just how many worlds Disney now touches. On the entertainment side, Anne Hathaway, Dwayne Johnson, Susan Egan, and Alan Tudyk represent performers whose work spans live action, animation, and musical storytelling. Lin-Manuel Miranda joins the class after helping shape modern Disney music through projects including Moana and Encanto, while the Jonas Brothers remain closely tied to an entire era of Disney Channel fandom.
At the same time, Disney is recognizing the artists and leaders who helped build the company behind the scenes. Eric Goldberg’s animation work has left a lasting mark on Disney classics and newer releases alike. Kim Irvine’s decades with Walt Disney Imagineering helped shape the look and feel of Disneyland and other park experiences. Jerry Bruckheimer’s producing career brought major blockbuster power to Disney through franchises and crowd-pleasing event films.
Bob Iger’s Place in Disney History
One of the biggest names in this year’s class is Bob Iger, whose leadership helped reshape Disney in the modern era. During his years at the top of the company, Disney expanded its global reach, launched Disney+, and strengthened its creative empire through the acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox. His inclusion in this year’s Legends class feels especially notable after he led the company until March 2026. (D23)
From ESPN to Imagineering to Animation
Chris Berman’s selection highlights Disney’s sports legacy through ESPN, where he became one of the network’s most recognizable voices. His presence in the class shows that Disney Legends is not limited to actors and filmmakers. It also celebrates the personalities who helped shape how audiences experience sports and entertainment.
Likewise, Kim Irvine and Eric Goldberg represent two very different but equally important parts of Disney history. Irvine helped preserve and guide the creative identity of Disneyland for decades, while Goldberg’s animation on projects such as Aladdin and Hercules helped define the studio’s visual energy for generations of fans.
Disney Legends Continues a Long Tradition
The Disney Legends program began in 1987 with Fred MacMurray as its first honoree. With this new class, Disney said the total number of Disney Legends will reach 329. Past honorees include Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, George Lucas, Robin Williams, Robert Downey Jr., Angela Bassett, Harrison Ford, Miley Cyrus, and John Williams. (D23)
That long history is part of what gives this announcement extra weight. The Disney Legends Award is the company’s highest honor, and the 2026 class brings together names that speak to Disney’s past, present, and future. From theme park design and animation to blockbuster filmmaking and Disney Channel nostalgia, this group reflects the massive reach of the brand and the people who helped build it.
For Disney fans, the Legends ceremony is always one of the emotional highlights of D23. This year’s lineup suggests another major celebration is on the way, with a class packed with familiar faces, creative giants, and names that have shaped Disney magic across generations.
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Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.
