To cap off an unforgettable weekend, D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa® will feature a grand finale on Sunday, August 11, with the highly anticipated Disney Legends Awards Ceremony. This cherished tradition honors those extraordinary artists and visionaries throughout The Walt Disney Company’s storied history who have consistently redefined creativity. The 37-year-old tradition continues this year by honoring luminaries such as Colleen Atwood, Angela Bassett, Martha Blanding, James L. Brooks, James Cameron, Jamie Lee Curtis, Miley Cyrus, Steve Ditko, Harrison Ford, Mark Henn, Frank Oz, Kelly Ripa, Joe Rohde, and John Williams.
In an exclusive and insightful Q&A, Mark Henn, who is being celebrated for his outstanding contributions to Disney Animation, shared his thoughts and experiences about this honor. When asked about being recognized as a Disney Legend, Mark expressed, “It feels both exciting and humbling being honored as a Disney Legend.” His journey was inspired early on by iconic Disney films like *Cinderella* and *The Reluctant Dragon*.
Mark’s first major assignment was animating none other than Mickey Mouse in *Mickey’s Christmas Carol*. Reflecting on this experience, he said, “Animating Mickey Mouse for *Mickey’s Christmas Carol* was a major opportunity for me. I always thought how cool it was to start my animation career animating Mickey Mouse. Needless to say, I had rather large shoes to fill.”
Known as the Disney Princess expert, Mark has breathed life into beloved characters from Ariel and Belle to Mulan and Tiana. He emphasized that the key to making each Disney princess unique yet distinctly Disney lies in giving them a relatable and accessible personality that supports their role in their respective films. “Plus, I think all of our princesses are just very nice people,” he added with a smile.
As a mentor to the next generation of hand-drawn animators at Disney, Mark enjoys his role as the “elder statesman.” He fondly recalled seeking guidance from Disney Legend Eric Larson and takes pride in his responsibility to pass on his knowledge and inspire the young animators who share the same passion and drive to continue Disney’s animation legacy.
What do you think about Mark Henn’s insights and the upcoming Disney Legends Awards? Share your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this story with your fellow Disney enthusiasts!
Source: The Walt Disney Company
