2013 Disney Legends Announced

July 10, 2013

To put it simply, if you’ve been named a Disney Legend, you couldn’t go any higher.

The Walt Disney Company’s highest and most coveted honor is bestowed upon those who are “…extraordinary visionaries and artists behind the Disney Magic, the men and women who push the limits of innovation and creativity to ensure Disney remains truly special.” says Disney CEO Bob Iger. Since 1987, Disney has sought these individuals which already include Regis Philbin, Tim Allen, and Alan Menken to name a few. This year’s recipients have been announced and include:

TONY BAXTER has developed beloved Disney attractions including Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Journey Into Imagination, Splash Mountain, and countless more over the course of his 43-year career with Walt Disney Imagineering. Revered by Disney fans, he is best known for his commitment to storytelling, attention to detail, and ability to develop new ideas and attractions by combining time-tested design practices with modern technology.

COLLIN CAMPBELL touched almost every part of the Walt Disney Company, from animated classics to legendary theme park attractions, with stints in live action film and television. Collin’s work with Walt Disney Imagineering includes the development of Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, Pirates of the Caribbean, as well as concept illustrations of Magic Kingdom Park and Epcot Center.

DICK CLARK brought rock and roll to 40 million homes across the country with the national debut of American Bandstand on ABC in 1958. He went on to produce game shows, award shows including the Golden Globes® and the Academy of Country Music Awards, comedy specials movies, and other popular television specials. Dick might best be remembered, however, as the host of ABC’s annual Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve from 1973 until 2011.

BILLY CRYSTAL is an acclaimed actor who lends his voice to Mike Wazowski, the frenetic, green cyclopean monster from Monsters Inc. and Monsters University. Best known for his memorable roles in When Harry Met Sally…, The Princess Bride, and City Slickers, Billy, who has won six Emmy Awards and one Tony Award, has also been a fixture on ABC television, where he hosted the Academy Awards® broadcast nine times and found his breakthrough role as Jodie Dallas on Soap from 1977-81.

JOHN GOODMAN is a celebrated actor of stage and screen, and the voice behind James P. Sullivan, better known as “Sully,” from Monsters Inc. and Monsters University. Among John’s notable film appearances are The Big Lebowski, The Flintstones, and most recently Argo and Flight. John’s appearances in Disney-produced films include the Hollywood Pictures films Arachnophobia and Born Yesterday, as well as Touchstone Pictures’ Stella, Coyote Ugly, O Brother, Where Art Thou, and Confessions of a Shopaholic.

STEVE JOBS changed the world of consumer electronics as the founder of Apple, and was known throughout the world for his visionary attitude and penchant for innovation. He was an early investor and chief executive of Pixar, and became the Walt Disney Company’s largest shareholder overnight when it acquired Pixar Animation Studios in 2006. That same year, he joined the Disney board of directors, and remained a valuable sounding board and advisor to the company until his passing in 2011.

GLEN KEANE has brought to life many of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ most popular characters. Since becoming a Disney animator in 1974, he has animated classic Disney characters such as Penny in The Rescuers, Elliott in Pete’s Dragon, Ratigan in The Great Mouse Detective, the Beast in Beauty and the Beast, and the titular characters in The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Pocahontas, and Tarzan. In 2010, Glen served as Executive Producer and Animation Supervisor for Tangled, a story he developed for more than ten years.

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All Disney Legends receive a two-foot-tall bronze sculpture that signifies the imagination, creativity, and magic they have brought to the Disney Company. They will also participate in a handprint ceremony where their handprints will displayed in a plaza at the Company headquarters in Burbank.

The actual Disney Legends ceremony always use to be a private affair at the Disney Company headquarters, but it wasn’t until the D23 Expo came along that they decided to put these creative individuals center stage for the recognition they deserve – straight from the Disney fans and this year’s ceremony at the 2013 D23 Expo will no doubt be one to remember as regular stars once again become Legends for all to remember.

The ceremony will once again be hosted by ABC’s Tom Bergeron. You can find more information on the other Disney Legends by clicking here.

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Have you attended a past Disney Legends awards ceremony before at either a past D23 Expo or while they were at the Disney HQ? Who is your favorite Disney Legend? Why? Tell us in the comments!

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