New Los Angeles Lakers owner Bob Iger was honored by The Walt Disney Company as an inductee member of their 2026 class of Disney Legends.
Disney Legends is the company’s highest award and honors those who have made a remarkable impact on audiences around the world, including stars, storytellers, and leaders across film, television, experiences, and sports.
Iger is joined in the class of 2026 by Chris Berman, Jerry Bruckheimer, Susan Egan, Eric Goldberg, Anne Hathaway, Kim Irvine, Dwayne Johnson, the Jonas Brothers, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Alan Tudyk.
The ceremony capped off D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim over the weekend.
“For more than a century, Disney stories have endured time because they tap into something timeless,” Walt Disney Company CEO Josh D’Amaro said. “Thanks to the extraordinary talent behind them, they continue to push boundaries of creativity and innovation, open new worlds, and show us what’s possible.
“Their creativity, innovation, excellence, and deep commitment to bringing joy to people around the world has made them the stuff of legend, and recognizing them alongside the fans who love their work is what makes this event so meaningful.”
Disney Legend Bob Iger
Iger was named the CEO of the Walt Disney Company in 2005 and served in that role through 2021. He also returned to the role in Nov. 2022 through March 18, 2026.
Under Iger’s leadership, Disney added to its rich legacy of storytelling with the acquisitions of Pixar (2006), Marvel (2009), Lucasfilm (2012), and 21st Century Fox (2019).
He also oversaw the company as they released several record-setting films, including Marvel’s Black Panther (2018) and Avengers: Endgame (2019), Disney’s Frozen (2013), Zootopia 2 (2025), and Lilo & Stitch (2025), Pixar’s Inside Out 2 (2024), and 20th Century Studio’s Avatar: Fire and Ash (2025).
In addition, he continued to expand the theme parks to a global audience with the landmark opening of Disney’s first theme park and resort in mainland China, Shanghai Disney Resort (2016).
Under Iger, Disney expanded its creative content offerings across multiple new platforms, including the l launch of the Disney+ streaming service in November 2019.
Iger began his career as a weatherman at a local TV station before he signed on for a network production job at ABC in 1974.
He rose up the ranks, becoming president of the ABC Network Television Group in early 1993 and was later named senior vice president of ABC’s corporate parent, Capital Cities/ABC, before being promoted to executive vice president.
He was named president and COO of Capital Cities/ABC in 1994 and stayed in that position after Disney bought ABC in 1996. In 2000, he was promoted to president and chief operating officer of The Walt Disney Company.
Bob Iger honored at Disneyland
In addition to being inducted into the Disney Legends, Iger was celebrated at Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland with a specially designed window honoring his legacy.
“For generations, Disney has been a source of joy, wonder, and unforgettable memories. Robert Iger’s leadership has helped inspire so many of those experiences,” D’Amaro wrote on Instagram. “As we celebrate his induction as a Disney Legend and the dedication of his Main Street window at Disneyland, we’re honored to recognize a legacy that will continue to inspire for years to come.
“Congratulations, Bob on this well-deserved honor.”
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