Dwayne Johnson has officially been named a Disney Legend, a prestigious honour that was bestowed upon him during the 2026 Disney Legends Awards ceremony held in Anaheim, California, on 16 August. The event saw Johnson recognised alongside notable figures such as Anne Hathaway, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and the Jonas Brothers, all of whom have significantly contributed to the Disney legacy.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/dwayne-johnson-1-56cb9e30a1914d1c92123fb49d6f7dfe.jpg)
Reflecting on his new title, the actor, renowned for his role as the demigod Maui in Disney’s animated film *Moana*, expressed that this honour holds special significance for him and his family. He humorously mentioned to PEOPLE that the title might just mean his daughters, Jasmine, aged 10, and Tiana, aged 8, could enjoy “free tickets” to Disney’s theme parks “for life.” Johnson remarked on the excitement his daughters shared over the honour, including a heartfelt video they sent him the night before the ceremony.
Johnson’s daughters were not only attending fans; they also made brief appearances in the live-action adaptation of *Moana*, which premiered on 10 July. The actor enthusiastically shared their involvement in these projects, stating they were fortunate to make cameos in both the live-action film and its preceding iteration.
The star of the *Fast & Furious* series described being named a Disney Legend as a profound honour. In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of kindness and creating meaningful experiences for families worldwide, which he believes embodies what it means to be part of the Disney legacy. Johnson explained, “Disney Legends is something much bigger… It’s powerful what Disney does.”
During his acceptance speech, Johnson fondly reminisced about a treasured moment he shared with his eldest daughter, Simone, when she was just five years old. He recalled taking her to Disneyland and sharing breakfast with Disney princesses. It was a life-defining moment for him as a father, watching Simone as she closed her eyes to make a wish, leaving him in awe of the wonder in her eyes. This experience, he noted, exemplifies the lasting impact Disney can have on families.
Additionally, the awards ceremony coincided closely with Simone’s 25th birthday, allowing Johnson to lead the audience in a celebratory “Happy Birthday” song for her. The occasion was not only a celebration of professional accolades but also a heartfelt family affair.
Johnson has also taken on the role of executive producer for *Moana: Voices Across the Ocean*, an upcoming Disney album featuring new music inspired by the recent live-action adaptation of the beloved tale. For the album, he collaborated with Iam Tongi to co-write and perform a poignant track titled “Your Dad,” which draws inspiration from his experience as a father to three daughters.
In a recent interview discussing the song, Johnson shared a touching anecdote from a conversation with Jasmine regarding the lyrics. The line “A deeper love that I never knew. You took my heart and you pulled it through” sparked curiosity in his daughter. Johnson took the opportunity to explain the deeper meaning behind the words and the challenges of life, conveying to her that her very existence has profoundly impacted him as her father.
This blend of personal reflection and professional achievement highlights how Johnson balances his stardom with heartfelt family values, allowing him to connect not only with his audience but also within his family. His new role as a Disney Legend solidifies his place in the pantheon of Disney icons, celebrated for both his artistic talents and his dedication to creating cherished memories for future generations.