- The most recent Disney legend ever
Great honor for Miley Cyrus (31). The singer and actress is the youngest Disney legend of all time. On Sunday, she was honored at the fan event D23 for her leading role in the series "Hannah Montana". Since 1987, The Walt Disney Company has annually awarded the Disney Legends title to individuals who have made significant contributions to the entertainment conglomerate.
Eyewitnesses reported that Miley Cyrus was moved to tears as she stepped onto the D23 stage in Anaheim, California. In her speech, she recalled auditioning for "Hannah Montana" and almost not getting the role. "I had a taste of what my life could be like, and from that moment on, I wanted nothing else," she said.
Miley Cyrus is proud of "Hannah Montana"
And it worked out. The daughter of country singer Billy Ray Cyrus played teenager Miley Stewart, who leads a double life as pop star Hannah Montana, from 2006 to 2011.
"Everything has changed a little, but at the same time, nothing has changed," Cyrus reflected. "I'm still here and proud to have been Hannah Montana," she declared, despite having left her clean Disney image behind with various controversial performances in the past.
Miley Cyrus dedicated the Disney award to Hannah Montana and her "amazing, loyal fans". She thanked everyone who helped make her "dream a reality". And then she quoted the "legend" Hannah herself: "This is the life."
Harrison Ford and more: These stars are also new Disney Legends
In addition to Miley Cyrus, other superstars were named Disney Legends: Jamie Lee Curtis (65), who has worked with Walt Disney Pictures on films like "Freaky Friday". Harrison Ford (82), who played Han Solo in the Star Wars saga, now owned by Disney. And James Cameron (69), who turned his film hit "Avatar" into an attraction at Disney World in Florida.
Since 1987, Disney has inducted alongside superstars like Elton John (77, music for "The Lion King"), "Mary Poppins" actress Julie Andrews (88), and "Pirates of the Caribbean" star Johnny Depp (61), numerous animators and designers into the legends.
Miley Cyrus gratefully accepted the Disney Legends award in Anaheim, California. Her emotional speech highlighted her audition for "Hannah Montana" and expressed her ongoing pride in her role as the pop star character.
Despite her evolving persona and controversial performances, Cyrus dedicated her award to Hannah Montana and her devoted fans, recalling her words, "This is the life."
