Miley Cyrus Becomes Youngest Person To Ever Be Named As A Disney Legend
Miley Cyrus has become the youngest star to be honoured as a Disney Legend, receiving the prestigious award at the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California. The 31-year-old, who first rose to fame as the lead in Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana, gave an emotional speech at the ceremony, reflecting on her journey and expressing pride in her iconic role.
Cyrus was introduced by country singer Lainey Wilson, who performed a lively rendition of The Best of Both Worlds, a hit from Hannah Montana. Wilson praised Cyrus for “always staying true to yourself, and most importantly, always kicking butt.” The tribute was a nod to the lasting influence of Cyrus’s Disney character, who became a cultural phenomenon during the show's run.
Cyrus acknowledged the impact of her time as Hannah Montana, telling the crowd, “I stand here still proud to have been ‘Hannah Montana.’ This award is dedicated to Hannah and all of her amazing, loyal fans, and to everyone who has made my dream a reality. To quote the legend herself, ‘This is the life.’”
The star also shared a personal insight, saying, “Legends get scared, too. I’m scared right now, but the difference is we do it anyway. All of you can do that every single day. It’s legendary to be afraid and do it anyway.”
Cyrus’s recognition as a Disney Legend marks another milestone in her career, which has spanned from her early days on Hannah Montana to her recent success in the music industry, including winning her first Grammy earlier this year.
Despite shedding her Disney image years ago, Cyrus returned to her roots last year with the Disney+ documentary concert special Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions), a move that resonated with fans and highlighted her connection to the Disney legacy.
Harrison Ford and James Cameron Among Those Recognised as Disney Legends
The honour was part of a larger event where 14 individuals were recognised as Disney Legends for their significant contributions to the company. Alongside Cyrus, honorees included Harrison Ford, Angela Bassett, Jamie Lee Curtis, and James Cameron. The ceremony, hosted by Ryan Seacrest, celebrated both on-screen talent and behind-the-scenes creatives who have shaped Disney's legacy.
Harrison Ford, another honoree, also delivered a heartfelt speech. The 82-year-old actor, known for his roles in Indiana Jones and Star Wars, expressed his gratitude for the recognition, saying he was “really delighted and a little bit embarrassed” to be honoured. Ford, who is set to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe, described himself as an “assistant storyteller” and credited his collaborators for his success.
Jamie Lee Curtis, celebrated for her roles in Disney films like Freaky Friday, was introduced by her Freaky Friday co-star Lindsay Lohan. Curtis expressed her belief that “legends aren’t formed, they’re created when they’re nurtured and educated,” highlighting the importance of collaboration and mentorship in her career.
Other honorees included renowned composer John Williams, and costume designer Colleen Atwood. The event also paid tribute to Disney’s behind-the-scenes talents, including animator Mark Henn and Marvel comic artist Steve Ditko.
