ANAHEIM, CA — The D23 Expo kicked off with a bang as the opening ceremony that began with Disney CEO Bob Chapek and Mickey Mouse welcoming fans to the event. Chapek gave fans an early preview at Disney 100 Years of Wonder—an extraordinary celebration of 100 years in the making—during the incredible opening event.
Another milestone was highlighted and celebrated as Disney recognized their new Legends in the 35th year of the event. Emmy® Award winner Tamron Hall hosted the magnificent event, as many of the Disney Legend inductees included Kristen Bell, Rob Coltrin, Patrick Dempsey, Robert Price “Bob” Foster, Jonathan Groff, Don Hahn, Josh Gad, Doris Hardoon, Idina Menzel, Chris Montan, and Ellen Pompeo.
Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross from the hit ABC comedy series ‘Black-ish‘ were inducted into the Disney Legend family.
“Disney has inspired me, and I hope it continues to inspire us all,” Anderson told the D23 crowd. “The hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. Thank you, thank you, and I love you all.”
The late Chadwick Boseman (Black Panther, 21 Bridges, 42), was also inducted as a Disney Legend, as his brother, Derrick Boseman, accepted the honor on behalf of the family.
“As I think about my brother and this honor that is being bestowed upon him, I wish that he was here to receive it,” Derrick said. “Him not being here has been a point of immense pain for my whole family. But as I think about him, I think about how he honored our parents. How he honored his family. How he honored even his friends, and he made sure that his friends had good careers. How he honored all the contracts that he signed. He honored them with his blood, his sweat, his tears, as he played these roles (while) taking chemo at the same time.“
