Disney Legends in Conversation: Exclusive Q&As with the Class of 202…

Tonight, D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa^® will conclude with the iconic Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, which honors artists and visionaries throughout the company's history who have pushed the envelope of creativity, challenged conventional wisdom, and broken the restraints of the status quo in search of new possibilities and excellence. A 37-year tradition, this year's honorees include Colleen Atwood, Angela Bassett, Martha Blanding, James L. Brooks, James Cameron, Jamie Lee Curtis, Miley Cyrus, Steve Ditko, Harrison Ford, Mark Henn, Frank Oz, Kelly Ripa, Joe Rohde, and John Williams.

Leading into D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, a handful of this year's honorees - Atwood, Blanding, Curtis, Henn, Oz, Ripa, and Rhode - reflected on their legacies in a series of exclusive Q&As. Below, they each share what receiving the honor means to them.

Colleen Atwood

Category: Costume Design

"To be the first costume designer to receive the Disney Legends Award, I am thrilled! It is an honor from a company founded by and artists and remains one that has always supported the art of film."

Martha Blanding

Category: Parks & Resorts

"Becoming a Disney Legend was not something that I thought would happen to me. I was totally surprised when I received the call. I [began at Disneyland as an hourly] Cast Member and moved up the ladder, working hard with many wonderful co-workers along the way. This makes me proud because I am proof that an hourly Cast Member can become a Disney Legend."

Jamie Lee Curtis

Category: Film

"I was born and raised in Los Angeles, the city of Angels. Disneyland was and is such a big part of California history, and for me to become an actor and then work many times for The Disney Company in such successful and loved films is the great honor. The Legend status I can't even wrap my mind around."

Mark Henn

Category: Animation

"It feels both exciting and humbling being honored as a Disney Legend."

Frank Oz

Category: Film & Television

"It's very nice to continue being in that Star Wars family."

Kelly Ripa

Category: Television

"It feels surreal. I feel like the job is the gift, and I feel like the longevity is the gift. And so, the honor on top of the job just feels kind of gluttonous, if I'm being honest. But it's a privilege and a true honor."

Joe Rohde

Category: Imagineering

"Frankly, it was an unexpected honor. All the work we do is done by teams and I always thought of myself as part of a team - kind of the like the team editor. So, it wasn't top of mind that I was going to be honored in any way. But it is humbling and delightful at the same time to be thought of as an integral part of the history of The Walt Disney Company."

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