The twelve newest inductees into the world of Disney Legends were awarded their honors at the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California. This latest round of Legends took their place among the previous 237 Disney Legends. Earlier Disney Legends included Dick Van Dyke, Julie Andrews, Annette Funicello, Steve Martin, Alan Menken, Hayley Mills, Robin Williams, Tim Allen, Elton John and 228 others, all of whom have been important in some form or another to the Disney family.
2011 Disney Legends
At the D23 Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, the following new Disney Legends were inducted into this illustrious group: Jodi Benson, Barton “Bo” Boyd, Jim Henson, Linda Larkin, Paige O’Hara, Regis Philbin, Anika Noni Rose, Lea Salonga, Ray Watson, Guy Williams, and Jack and Bonita Wrather.
Jim Henson was the creator of The Muppets and received his honor posthumously. His award was presented to his daughter who is continuing the family legacy. Barton “Bo” Boyd has been important to the Disney family with his talent in the merchandising area. Regis Philbin has worked on shows for ABC, which is part of the Disney Empire. Ray Watson was instrumental in the development of Walt Disney World in Florida. Guy Williams played the legendary Zorro, and later the father in Lost in Space. Jack and Bonita Wrather became part of the Disney family with their conception and construction of the Disneyland Hotel, which is currently undergoing incredible renovations.
Disney Princesses
Disney Princesses are a big part of the Disney family, and this year five women who have brought the animated beauties to life were honored as new Disney Legends.
Jodi Benson provided the voice of Ariel in The Little Mermaid. She also voiced Barbie in Toy Story 2 and Toy Story 3.
Linda Larkin is the voice of Princess Jasmine in Aladdin and its sequels and other shows. Larkin provided the speaking voice of Jasmine but Lea Salonga provided the singing voice, both for Jasmine and Mulan. When accepting her award, Salonga said she was lucky Linda Larkin couldn’t sing!
Paige O’Hara is the wonderful voice of Belle in Beauty and the Beast. She told the audience she spoke earlier with her co-star, Robby Benson who voiced the Beast and was not able to make it to the ceremony.
Anika Noni Rose voiced Princess Tiana in The Princess and the Frog. When she accepted her award she admitted that she thought Tiana was getting the award and when she realized that she, Anika Noni Rose, was being honored, she felt a special thrill.
Disney Legends Award
Being named a Disney Legend is in itself an honor, but along with that honor comes an actual award. The award is a two-foot-tall bronze sculpture that represents imagination, creativity and magic. That is what the Disney Legends have brought to the Disney Family. They also put their hand prints in bronze and they will join the others on display at the Disney Studios in Burbank, California.
The Disney Legends award has four elements. The Hand represents the gifts of skill, craftsmanship, and discipline. The Spiral represents imagination and the power of an idea. The Wand and the Star stand for magic – the spark that ignites when a dream is created by combining imagination and skill.
