How are Disney legends chosen?
Choosing a Disney Legend is no small feat. The process begins with a nomination, where individuals from various fields within the entertainment industry are considered. These nominees can include actors, animators, Imagineers, and even those who have made significant contributions behind the scenes.
Once nominations are received, a selection committee comprised of Disney executives and historians carefully review each candidate’s body of work and their impact on the company. The committee looks for individuals who have not only displayed exceptional talent but also embody the values that Walt Disney himself held dear – creativity, innovation, and storytelling magic.
After much deliberation and discussion among the committee members, a select few are chosen to receive this prestigious honor. Being named a Disney Legend is not just about achieving fame or success; it represents an extraordinary contribution to the legacy of Disney.
With each new induction ceremony comes an opportunity to celebrate these remarkable individuals whose passion has brought joy and inspiration to audiences around the world. As we explore this list of Disney Legends, let us pay tribute to their boundless imagination and unwavering commitment to creating unforgettable moments in our lives.
Who is the first Disney legend?
Who is the first Disney legend? The answer to this question takes us back to the year 1987, when Walt Disney Productions was renamed The Walt Disney Company. As part of their 25th anniversary celebration, they decided to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the world of entertainment through their work with Disney.
One person stood out as a true pioneer and innovator in the realm of animation – Fred MacMurray. Known for his roles in classic films like “The Absent-Minded Professor” and “The Shaggy Dog,” MacMurray also lent his voice to several beloved Disney characters over the years.
But it wasn’t just his acting talent that earned him this prestigious title. MacMurray’s collaboration with Walt Disney on various projects helped shape the studio’s success and establish its reputation for quality family entertainment.
Throughout his career, Fred MacMurray demonstrated unwavering dedication and creativity, making him a worthy recipient of being named the first-ever Disney Legend. His contributions will forever be remembered and celebrated by fans around the world.
Stay tuned as we continue our journey through all the incredible individuals who have been honored as Disney Legends over the years!
List of all Disney Legends
Throughout the years, Disney has honored numerous individuals who have made significant contributions to the company and its legacy. These extraordinary individuals have become known as Disney Legends. Below is the list of all 304 Disney Legends from 1987 – 2022 .
2022
- Ellen Pompeo
- Patrick Dempsey
- Jonathan Groff
- Chris Montan
- Rob’t Coltrin
- Idina Menzel
- Don Hahn
- Doris Hardoon
- Kristen Bell
- Josh Gad
- Tracee Ellis Ross
- Anthony Anderson
- Chadwick Boseman
2021
- Robert Price “Bob†Foster
2019
- James Earl Jones
- Christina Aguilera
- Jon Favreau
- Wing T. Chao
- Ming-Na Wen
- Diane Sawyer
- Barnette Ricci
- Robin Roberts
- Hans Zimmer
- Robert Downey Jr.
- Bette Midler
- Kenny Ortega
2017
- Oprah Winfrey
- Julie Taymor
- Garry Marshall
- Stan Lee
- Jack Kirby
- Wayne Jackson
- Mark Hamill
- Manuel Gonzales
- Whoopi Goldberg
- Clyde Geronimi
- Carrie Fisher
2015
- Eyvind Earle
- George Bodenheimer
- Danny Elfman
- Susan Lucci
- George Lucas
- Julie Reihm Casaletto
- Carson Van Osten
- Andreas Deja
- Johnny Depp
2013
- Glen Keane
- John Goodman
- Ed Wynn
- Tony Baxter
- Billy Crystal
- Dick Clark
- Collin Campbell
- Steve Jobs
2011
- Paige O’Hara
- Linda Larkin
- Lea Salonga
- Jodi Benson
- Anika Noni Rose
- Regis Philbin
- Guy Williams
- Jack Wrather
- Bonita Granville Wrather
- Jim Henson
- Barton “Bo†Boyd
- Ray Watson
2009
- Tony Anselmo
- Leota Toombs Thomas
- Don Iwerks
- Bill Farmer
- Harry Archinal
- Rue McClanahan
- Robin Williams
- Estelle Getty
- Bea Arthur
- Betty White
2008
- Wayne Allwine
- Russi Taylor
- Frank Gifford
- Toshio Kagami
- Oliver Wallace
- Neil Gallagher
- Dorothea Redmond
- Bob Booth
- Burny Mattinson
- Walt Peregoy
- Barbara Walters
2007
- Roone Arledge
- Ron Logan
- Randy Newman
- Carl Bongirno
- Bob Schiffer
- Dave Smith
- Marge Champion
- Floyd Norman
- Dick Huemer
- Art Babbitt
- Lucille Martin
- Tom Murphy
2006
- Al Dempster
- Joe Ranft
- Sir Elton John
- Jimmy Johnson
- Peter Jennings
- Paul Frees
- Tommy Kirk
- David Stollery
- Tim Considine
- Ginny Tyler
- Kevin Corcoran
- Don Edgren
2005
- Randy Bright
- William Sullivan
- Robert Jani
- Chuck Boyajian
- Charles Boyer
- Chuck Abbott
- Cicely Rigdon
- Hideo “Indian†Aramaki
- Hideo Amemiya
- Jack Olsen
- Jack Wagner
- James Cora
- Mary Anne Mang
- Mary Jones
- Milt Albright
- Tom Nabbe
- Vesey Walker
- Art Linkletter
- Steve Martin
2004
- Mel Shaw
- Ralph Kent
- Karen Dotrice
- Matthew Garber
- Tim Conway
- Bill Anderson
- Alice Davis
- Bob Gurr
- Rolly Crump
- Irwin Kostal
- Leonard H. Goldenson
2003
- Alfred Taliaferro
- Neil Beckett
- Buddy Hackett
- Richard Fleischer
- Edna Disney
- Harrison Price
- Orlando Ferrante
- Tutti Camarata
- Floyd Gottfredson
- Ilene Woods
- Lillian Disney
2002
- David Tomlinson
- Hugh Attwooll
- Ken Annakin
- Richard Todd
- Robert Newton
- Robert Stevenson
- Sir John Mills
- Maurice Chevalier
- Phil Collins
- Sir Tim Rice
2001
- Tyrus Wong
- Bob Broughton
- Fred Joerger
- Marty Sklar
- Alan Menken
- Frank Churchill
- George Bruns
- Howard Ashman
- Leigh Harline
- Ned Washington
2000
- Becky Fallberg
- Dodie Roberts
- Grace Bailey
- Retta Scott
- Ruthie Tompson
- Cliff Edwards
- Dick Jones
- Joyce Carlson
- Ron Dominguez
- Harriet Burns
1999
- Norm Ferguson
- Bill Garity
- Mary Costa
- Yale Gracey
- Ham Luske
- Charlie Ridgway
- Dick Nunis
- Al Konetzni
- Tim Allen
1998
- Don Escen
- Masatomo Takahashi
- Lloyd Richardson
- Virginia Davis
- Bill Tytla
- Wilfred Jackson
- Kathryn Beaumont
- Ben Sharpsteen
- James Algar
- Kay Kamen
- Matsuo Yokoyama
- Al and Elma Milotte
- Glynis Johns
- Hayley Mills
- Kurt Russell
- Paul Kenworthy
- Larry Lansburgh
- Buddy Baker
- Norman “Stormy†Palmer
- Roy E. Disney
- Dick Van Dyke
1997
- Joe Potter
- André Vanneste
- Antonio Bertini
- Armand Bigle
- Gunnar Mansson
- Horst Koblischek
- Armand Palivoda
- Cyril Edgar
- Roberto de Leonardis
- Wally Feignoux
- Cyril James
- Lucien Adés
- Angel Angelopoulos
- Arnoldo Mondadori
- Didier Fouret
- Gaudenzio Capelli
- Mario Gentilini
- Paul Winkler
- Poul Brahe Pederson
1996
- Bill Peet
- Betty Lou Gerson
- Bob Moore
- Bill Justice
- X Atencio
- Bob Allen
- Bob Matheison
- Rex Allen
- Sam McKim
1995
- Fred Moore
- Thurl Ravenscroft
- Betty Taylor
- Edward Meck
- Fulton Burley
- Wally Boag
- Angela Lansbury
- Dean Jones
- Wathel Rogers
1994
- Frank Wells
- David Hand
- Adriana Caselotti
- Bill Cottrell
- Jack Lindquist
- Van France
- Marvin Davis
- Bill Martin
- Paul Smith
1993
- Card Walker
- Donn Tatum
- Clarence Nash
- Jimmy Macdonald
- Pinto Colvig
- Buddy Ebsen
- Irving Ludwig
- Peter Ellenshaw
- Harper Goff
- Blaine Gibson
1992
- Jack Hannah
- Joe Grant
- Ken O’Connor
- Roy Williams
- Winston Hibler
- Annette Funicello
- Bill Evans
- Jimmie Dodd
1991
- Carl Barks
- Sterling Holloway
- Claude Coats
- Ken Anderson
- Don DaGradi
- Julie Andrews
- Bill Walsh
- Fess Parker
- Mary Blair
1990
- John Hench
- Herb Ryman
- Joe Fowler
- Richard Irvine
- Roger Broggie
- Richard Sherman
- Robert Sherman
1989
- Eric Larson
- Frank Thomas
- John Lounsbery
- Les Clark
- Milt Kahl
- Ollie Johnston
- Wolfgang Reitherman
- Marc Davis
- Ub Iwerks
- Ward Kimball
1987
- Fred MacMurray
