This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Disney Legends award, created to honor those who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy. To mark the occasion, Disney twenty-three has created a unique stand-alone issue featuring all 267 current honorees, as well as the 10 new Legends, who will be inducted next week at D23 Expo 2017. Since 1987, the award has been given to individuals who have worked with and for Disney in front of the camera and behind the scenes, from the shining stars of the silver and small screen to the creative minds behind its films, attractions, music, and entertainment.
For the issue, exclusively for Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, Disney twenty-three Photo Editor Ty Popko photographed 40 Legends in Disney settings: from Walt Disney’s Office Suite and the Walt Disney Archives to Walt Disney World Resort and the Good Morning America studios. Featured Legends include Tim Allen, Hayley Mills, Paige O’Hara, Regis Philbin, Anika Noni Rose, Lea Salonga, Richard Sherman, and Dick Van Dyke. Kurt Russell, also photographed for this issue, gives a first-person account of his time working for Walt himself and the many Disney adventures he has had over the years.
Plus, Disney animator Eric Goldberg crafted a piece of artwork exclusively for this issue featuring more than 30 Disney Legends, including Julie Andrews, Steve Martin, Angela Lansbury, and Robin Williams, at a fabulous “Legend-ary” party. As a bonus, D23 Gold Members attending D23 Expo 2017 will be able to receive a complimentary print of the artwork at the event.
Also included in the fall issue of Disney twenty-three:
- A Disney Legends-themed Ask Dave with Disney Legend Dave Smith
- Photographs from Disney Legends Awards ceremonies through the years
- A tribute to Annette Funicello by Richard Sherman
Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold and Gold Family Members as a benefit of their membership. The new issue will begin arriving in late July.