Despite being a household name in daytime television, Kelly Ripa found herself in disbelief when she learned she had been named a Disney Legend. On the August 21 episode of her “Let’s Talk Off Camera” podcast, Kelly recounted the moment she discovered the honor while speaking with Disney CEO Bob Iger. The prestigious Disney Legend title, awarded at the D23 event in Anaheim, California on August 11, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the company.
During the podcast, Ripa admitted to Iger that the news left her “thrown for a curveball.” She humorously remarked, “One of those moments where I thought Deborah O’Connell was playing an April Fools prank on me.” Even in her surprise, Ripa wondered aloud why she was chosen, jesting, “How do we honor regular people? Kelly?”
Bob Iger was quick to reassure Ripa, highlighting her extensive contributions to television through her roles on “All My Children” and “Live!” and stating that her work significantly impacts Disney’s success and global representation. With a quarter-century of hosting “Live!” under her belt, Iger praised the sheer extent of her contributions and suggested that the accolade was long overdue.
Ripa was handed her award by former co-host and close friend Ryan Seacrest. In her acceptance speech, she expressed deep gratitude to both Seacrest and Iger, calling the experience “truly magical.” She also gave a playful nod to her husband, Mark Consuelos, whom she met on the set of “All My Children,” further emphasizing her bond with Disney.
Ending her speech on a heartfelt note, Ripa reminisced about her first family trip to Walt Disney World, sent thanks to all those who honored her, and added a quirky joke about her children being “made right backstage in the Disney labs.”
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Source: Esther Kang
