Some of the entertainment industry’s biggest stars graced the stage at the 2026 Disney Legend Award Ceremony on Sunday, from Anne Hathaway to Dwayne Johnson and even a former BYU quarterback.
Disney honored 11 individuals, including Hathaway and Johnson, with the title of “Disney Legend,” and former BYU and NFL quarterback Steve Young was there to introduce new “Disney Legend” Chris “Boomer” Berman, the longtime ESPN sportscaster.
“This next legend redefined a whole era,” Young said. “He brought a unique brand of humor and joy to the profession that had never been seen before and once the world was introduced to his creative word play, the game was changed forever.”
Berman interviewed Young while he was in the NFL, and then the two became colleagues when Young joined ESPN after his retirement.
“Making the transition from player to sitting at the desk at ESPN could be pretty intimidating,” Young said. “I mean, I’ve taken hits from 6-foot-5, 300-pound linemen, but staring down the barrel of that camera somehow felt more menacing.”
Feeling the pressure, Young said he took everything he said “so seriously” until Berman gave him advice.
“Boomer, in his infinite wisdom, saw me overthinking and trying to be perfect. He pulled me to the side and said, ‘Steve, don’t worry about it. Whatever you said, it’s on its way to Pluto,’” he said.
That’s when Young learned “it’s the authenticity that really counts” as a sports broadcaster, which Berman excelled at, he said.
“(Berman) had already provided the playbook with the stories, the genuine love for sports, and those unforgettable nicknames and catchphrases,” Young said. “I’m forever grateful for your advice, but most of all, Boomer, your signature Boomerisms with my all-time favorite being, ‘He. Could. Go. All. The. Way.’
“It’s been the honor of a lifetime to share the desk with you for 22 years at ESPN. I’m so proud to welcome you as a Disney Legend.”
What is a Disney Legend?
The Disney Legend award is Disney’s highest honor.
Disney Legends “represent the extraordinary breadth of talent and storytellers who have defined Disney across entertainment, storytelling and experiences for generations. From performance and animation, to music and sports, to leadership and Imagineering, these honorees have shaped how audiences around the world connect with Disney stories,” according to the company.
Who were the 2026 Disney Legend honorees?
The following 11 individuals were named Disney Legends on Sunday:
- Bob Iger
- Susan Egan
- Dwayne Johnson
- Anne Hathaway
- Alan Tudyk
- Jonas Brothers
- Lin‑Manuel Miranda
- Eric Goldberg
- Jerry Bruckheimer
- Chris Berman
- Kim Irvine