Disney president and CEO Robert Iger says, "This annual ceremony, now in its 19th year, gives all of us at Disney a moment to remember the importance of our past achievements and to recognise those who embody this company's constant focus on delivering unparalleled creativity, quality and innovation to our audiences around the world. As we continue the tradition this year, we also mark a special milestone as we welcome our 200th Disney Legend."

The other new Disney Legends include ABC News anchor Peter Jennings; Actors Tommy Kirk and Kevin Corcoran (Old Yeller, The Shaggy Dog, Swiss Family Robinson, Mickey Mouse Club); Actors Tim Considine and David Stollery (The Adventures of Spin and Marty);
Actress Ginny Tyler (Mickey Mouse Club)
and Disney and Pixar animation story artist Joe Ranft.

The Disney Legends Award was established in 1987 to honour the men and women who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy. The first recipient was actor Fred MacMurray (The Shaggy Dog, The Absent-Minded Professor, The Happiest Millionaire), and since that time 203 Disney Legends have been named, including this year's recipients.

Among the past Disney Legends are Julie Andrews, Steve Martin, Dick Van Dyke, Annette Funicello, Dean Jones, Angela Lansbury, Fess Parker, Kurt Russell, Tim Allen, Hayley Mills, Phil Collins, Art Linkletter, Tim Conway, Sir Tim Rice, Howard Ashman and Alan Menken.