Dwayne Johnson is excited to be named a Disney Legend, but his children might feel more strongly about the occasion than he does. In a new interview, the “Game Plan” actor reflected on receiving the honorary title from the famed network and movie studio and said his children loved that he now gets a special perk. The rare moment comes just weeks after Disney announced “Moana 3” had begun production.
Johnson received the honor on August 16 at the Disney Legends Awards ceremony. Among the inductees were Anne Hathaway, who has earned her fair share of Disney roles, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and the Jonas Brothers. At the ceremony, Disney said that the recipients are those who “for generations have defined Disney across entertainment, storytelling, and experiences.”
Johnson spoke with PEOPLE at the ceremony and said that his children were probably more excited about him being named a Disney Legend than he was. “They said, ‘Congratulations, Daddy, you’re a Disney legend. What does it mean?’” Johnson said. “And I sent them back a video, and I was like, ‘It means we get free tickets to Disney for life.’”
Dwayne Johnson Says Being A Disney Legend Is About Something ‘Bigger’
Being named a Disney Legend is no easy task, and Johnson said he’s spent the last few weeks taking in the “special” honor.
“I think Disney Legends is something much bigger … and I believe it’s powerful what Disney does. And what it means, in my opinion, to be a Disney legend is to treat people good and treat them with kindness and try your best to create experiences for them that are,” he said.
Dwayne Johnson Reflects On Taking His Daughter To See A Disney Movie Years Ago
Johnson’s acceptance speech went viral, and during the moving moment, the actor reflected on a special moment he had with his daughter at Disneyland when she was just five years old.
“I was in my 20s. I was trying to figure that stuff out at that time … how I was going to be a father, how I was going to be a husband, man, etc,” he said. “But I remember one of the princesses said, ‘Close your eyes and make a wish.’ And I’ll never forget, [Simone] closed her eyes and she made a wish.”
According to Johnson, he would never forget the special moment, calling it an “experience” that he believes his daughter holds near to her heart as well. “That’s the beauty of Disney. That’s the beauty also of being a Disney Legend,” he said.
Miley Cyrus Was Named A Disney Legend In 2024
In 2024, “Hannah Montana” star Miley Cyrus was also named a Disney Legend. At the D23 event, the singer reflected on the life-changing opportunity to portray Miley Stewart in the early-2000s sitcom.
“A little bit of everything has changed, but at the same time, nothing has changed at all,” she said. “I stand here still proud to have been Hannah Montana.”
As she continued, Cyrus said she was dedicating the award to the fictional pop star and to her fans for how they have both impacted her life.
“In so many ways, 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,’” she said.
Cyrus Will Always Love ‘Hannah Montana’
Happy 16th Hannah-versary! 16 years ago my life changed forever when HM premiered. Because of your loyalty and support I’ve had the honor to travel the world for over a decade and perform for fans that bring so much greatness into my life. pic.twitter.com/94yK3yopfr
— Miley Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) March 24, 2022
Cyrus has always shown her appreciation for “Hannah Montana.” According to The Blast, the singer appeared in the show’s 20th anniversary special earlier this year, singing new renditions of “This Is The Life,” “The Best of Both Worlds,” and “The Climb.”
In 2022, Cyrus celebrated the show’s 16th anniversary by posting a clip of her singing the “Hoedown Throwdown” on her X account. In the caption, she praised those who helped her get to where she is today. “Because of your loyalty and support, I’ve had the honor to travel the world for over a decade and perform for fans that bring so much greatness into my life,” she wrote.
