Disney Inaugurated The Latest Class Of Disney Legends And Here Are Their Proudest Moments

Disney fans had plenty to celebrate at the 2022 D23 Expo, where the newest class of Disney Legends was officially honored. The ceremony spotlighted performers, creators, and industry figures whose work left a lasting mark on The Walt Disney Company.

The Disney Legends Awards have been part of Disney history since 1987, and the recognition carries a special kind of weight for fans who follow every corner of the brand. This year’s honorees included some especially familiar names, each with a moment that stood out to them most.

Here’s a look at what the latest Disney Legends had to say about their proudest memories.

1. Christina Aguilera

Iconic Disney achievements: recording "Reflection" for the Mulan soundtrack and The Mickey Mouse Club.

What she's most proud of: "It's not the highlights so much as getting back up after the hardships... that's always deeper to me than the accolades. You know, being able to look at yourself and being unafraid to take off the mask, to speak your truth, and to be who you are—those are amazing messages that I'll pass on to my children."Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

2. Jon Favreau

His work for Disney: He's the director of Disney's The Lion King and The Jungle Book, and he plays Happy in the MCU.

What he's most proud of: "I think it's when I interact directly with the audience. D23 is one of those places where that happens. We've shown footage here and received immediate reactions—especially when you're with the cast—to get the feedback and appreciation from an audience that is seeing it for the first time. That's the magic moment.I remember every time we've shown the footage, whether it was for The Jungle Book or The Lion King. Hopefully today, for The Mandalorian, people will be excited to see it. But those are the moments that I remember the most."Ehis Osifo/BuzzFeed

And if you’re into spotlight moments, check out the best-dressed stars at Oscars 2026 who stole attention early.

3. Kenny Ortega

His work for Disney: Choreographer and director of Descendants and High School Musical.

What he's most proud of: "A lot of people thought that musicals were dead. Music, dance, and storytelling were seen as things of the past. What I'm most proud of is that I didn't quit on myself, and I didn't stop believing or dreaming that it was possible to resurrect and inspire a generation of storytelling with music and dance. I'm grateful to the Disney Company for giving me that shot.I'm proud of myself for, you know, having stuck to my guns and not giving up. Look at where it's gotten me!"Ehis Osifo/BuzzFeed

4. Barnette Ricci

Her achievements with Disney: She was a senior show director at Disneyland.

What she's most proud of: "I would have to say Fantasmic!—it was my creation. That was something that I dreamt up, envisioned, and brought to life."

5. Wing T. Chao

His achievements with Disney: He was a Disney Imagineer who worked on Epcot, as well as Disney parks in Paris and Hong Kong.

What he's most proud of: "It's about teamwork and working together. My team worked so hard—weekends, long hours. It's all about what we do for the guests—to make their experience memorable.Whatever we do is all for their enjoyment. Yeah, it's not for us. When the fans love it, that's how we know we did a good job."

6. Robert Downey Jr.

His work with Disney: He played Iron Man in the MCU.

What he's most proud of: No comment :)

Other Disney Legend recipients included James Earl Jones, Bette Midler, Diane Sawyer, Robin Roberts, Ming-Na Wen, and Hans Zimmer. The show attracts a lot of attention and a large audience.

On average, more than 100,000 people visit the Anaheim Arena every two years to see the D23 Expo. Can't wait for the next one!

Want relationship advice beyond Disney legends, see what Harrison Ford says kept his 15-year marriage strong.