Harrison Ford, Miley Cyrus, and More to Be Honored as Disney Legends

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Disney is gearing up to recognize 14 influential artists with “legends” status, including Harrison Ford, Angela Bassett, and Miley Cyrus, for their lasting contributions to the company.

These honorees have had a “significant impact” on Disney’s legacy, according to the company. Names like director James Cameron, iconic film composer John Williams, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Kelly Ripa are among the distinguished list.

This year’s Disney Legends will be celebrated during a ceremony at The Honda Center in Anaheim, California, on Sunday, as part of the D23 fan convention. Ryan Seacrest will serve as the event host.

Director James L. Brooks is also joining the elite group, along with Williams, renowned for his musical scores in the “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones” franchises, among others.

Harrison Ford, the star of the “Indiana Jones” and “Star Wars” franchises, will leave his mark again, over 20 years after his induction into the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Ford is set to enter the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the upcoming “Captain America: Brave New World.” He made a surprise appearance at Comic-Con International, delighting fans during a panel on new Marvel projects and playfully flexed his muscles, evoking his character Red Hulk.

Angela Bassett, known for her roles in “Black Panther” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” is also being honored. Bassett currently stars in ABC’s “9-1-1.”

Miley Cyrus, who shot to fame with “Hannah Montana” in 2006, is the youngest recipient of the Legends honor. Post her Disney Channel days, Cyrus has enjoyed a successful music career, securing her first Grammy Award in February.

Jamie Lee Curtis, who has appeared in multiple Disney projects like “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” and “You Again,” will also be honored. Curtis is set to reprise her role in the sequel of the fan-favorite “Freaky Friday,” alongside Lindsay Lohan.

ABC talk show host Kelly Ripa, a network fixture for over 30 years, will reunite with former co-host Seacrest. Ripa currently co-hosts “Live with Kelly and Mark” with her husband, Mark Consuelos.

Disney will also recognize six behind-the-scenes creatives who have made impactful contributions to Disney films, art, and experiences. These honorees include Oscar-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood, prominent animator Mark Henn, late comics artist Steve Ditko known for Spider-Man and Doctor Strange, noted puppeteer and filmmaker Frank Oz, long-serving Disney manager Martha Blanding, and former Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde.

Previous Disney Legends include notable names like Elton John, Steve Jobs, Betty White, Dick Van Dyke, Robert Downey Jr., and Whoopi Goldberg. The program has celebrated over 300 honorees since its start in 1987.

Source: Associated Press