ANAHEIM, Calif. (Aug. 11) — Singer and actress Miley Cyrus was named the youngest Disney Legend on Sunday, receiving the prestigious honor at a D23 event in Anaheim, California. The 31-year-old, best known for her role as Hannah Montana on the hit Disney Channel show, became emotional as she took the stage to deliver a speech.
Cyrus, who wrote two speeches for the occasion—one long and one short—reflected on her journey with Disney, which began in 2005 with the creation of the show Hannah Montana. The series, which debuted in 2006 and ran for four seasons, followed the life of Miley Stewart (played by Cyrus), a typical teenager leading a double life as pop star Hannah Montana.
Congratulations to Miley Cyrus on becoming a Disney Legend – the youngest ever – at #D23! pic.twitter.com/GsswJncwGb
— Disney (@Disney) August 12, 2024
“I had gotten a taste of what my life could be, and from that moment on, I did not want anything else,” Cyrus said during her speech, recalling the behind-the-scenes process of how the show came to be. She also shared that she initially wasn’t cast in the role but eventually landed the part, which changed her life forever.
“A little bit of everything has changed, but at the same time, nothing has changed at all,” Cyrus continued. “I stand here still proud to have been Hannah Montana.”
The “Flowers” singer also dedicated the award to Hannah and her fans, quoting the character by saying, “This is the life.”
Prior to the event, Bob Iger, the Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, praised Cyrus in a press release, stating, “To be named a Disney Legend is the highest honor our company can bestow on anyone, reserved for those whose talent and achievement have earned them an enduring place in our history.”
Cyrus joins an esteemed group of individuals who have been named Disney Legends, including Angela Bassett, Colleen Atwood, Martha Blanding, James L. Brooks, James Cameron, Jamie Lee Curtis, Steve Ditko, Harrison Ford, Mark Henn, Frank Oz, Kelly Ripa, Joe Rohde, and John Williams.
In addition to the Hannah Montana series, Cyrus also starred in the 2009 film Hannah Montana: The Movie and headlined the Best of Both Worlds tour in 2011. She has consistently expressed her love for the character and has hinted at the possibility of reprising the role in the future.
Back in 2021, Cyrus celebrated the 16th anniversary of the show’s debut by sharing a video of herself singing “Hoedown Throwdown,” one of Hannah Montana’s biggest hits, during a concert. On social media, she wrote, “Because of your loyalty and support, I’ve had the honor to travel the world for over a decade and perform for fans that bring so much greatness into my life.”
Miley Cyrus‘s journey from a Disney star to a global music sensation is an inspiring one, and her impact on the world of entertainment is undeniable. With this well-deserved recognition, she continues to leave her mark on the Disney legacy.
