Dwayne Johnson says becoming a Disney Legend carries a bigger meaning than the title itself, pointing to kindness, family memories and the chance to create joy for people around the world.
Dwayne Johnson is reflecting on being named a Disney Legend after receiving the company’s highest honor during the 2026 Disney Legends Awards at D23 in Anaheim. The actor and producer, whose Disney credits include Moana and Jungle Cruise, was inducted on Aug. 16 alongside Anne Hathaway, Lin-Manuel Miranda, the Jonas Brothers and other major figures tied to the company’s history.
Speaking with PEOPLE at the event, Johnson called the distinction a “special” honor and explained that he sees the Disney Legend label as something larger than individual achievement. For Johnson, the recognition is connected to how people are treated and the experiences creators can give families, saying the goal should be to lead with kindness while making memories that matter.
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Johnson also brought his family into the moment, joking that his younger daughters, Jasmine and Tiana, were excited to learn what their father’s new status might mean for them. After they sent him a congratulatory video and asked what being a Disney Legend meant, he joked back that it meant “free tickets to Disney for life,” adding a playful family note to an otherwise emotional weekend.
During his acceptance remarks, Johnson recalled taking his eldest daughter Simone to Disneyland when she was five and watching her close her eyes to make a wish during a breakfast with Disney princesses. He said the memory stayed with him because of the joy on her face, framing it as an example of the lasting experiences Disney can create for children and parents alike.
That same theme carried through Johnson’s speech at the Honda Center, where he spoke without relying on a prepared script and emphasized the importance of creating moments of joy. He closed his message with a simple idea about character, saying, “It’s nice to be important. But it’s more important to be nice.” The ceremony also included a tribute from his Jungle Cruise costar Emily Blunt, who presented him with the honor.
The Disney Legend recognition arrives during another major stretch in Johnson’s relationship with the studio. He brought Maui to live action in Moana, continues to be closely associated with the franchise, and remains one of Disney’s most recognizable collaborators across film and family entertainment. For Johnson, however, the latest honor appears to mean most as a reminder that the impact of the work can extend well beyond the screen.
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