Disney Legends

[supernova]

I'm wondering what the guidelines for identifying legends each year. Some classes are larger than others. Take the past three years, for instance.

2009
Tony Anselmo, Animation (voice)
Harry Archinal, Film
Beatrice Arthur, Film & Television
Bill Farmer, Animation (voice)
Estelle Getty, Film & Television
Don Iwerks, Film
Rue McClanahan, Film & Television
Leota Toombs Thomas, Attractions
Betty White, Film & Television[218]
Robin Williams, Film, Animation (voice)

The four Golden GIrls, two current voice actors for Donald and Goofy/Pluto, a few other names known only to Disney fans, and one huge name.

2010
James Baskett, Film
Jim Cummings, Animation (voice)
Tom Hanks, Film & Animation (voice)
Aaron Spelling, Television
Frank Welker, Animation (voice)

Two were named posthumously, two are voice talent, and one is a huge star.

2011
Regis Philbin, Television
Jim Henson, Film
Jodi Benson, Animation (voice)
Paige O'Hara, Animation (voice)
Lea Salonga, Animation (voice)
Linda Larkin, Animation (voice)
Anika Noni Rose, Animation (voice)
Jack Wrather, Parks & Resorts
Bonita Wrather, Parks & Resorts
Guy Williams, Television
Bo Boyd, Consumer Products
Raymond Watson, Administration

Several voice actors, a few obscure people, and again, one large name.

I've taken a particular interest in this program over the past couple of years because I am attempting to collect up as many autographs from the (living) legends, both on photos and on a certificate template I created.

Anyone else follow the Disney Legends nomiations? Or am I the only Disney nut who bothers with these names outside of Disney company employees on the committee?

[supernova]

Just read up on some of the 2011 Legends and came across Anika Noni Rose. It seems her ONLY connection to the Disney Company was voicing Princess Tiana in Disney's flop, Princess and the Frog.

Really? A legend? Huh?

[WDW4Ever]

Just read up on some of the 2011 Legends and came across Anika Noni Rose. It seems her ONLY connection to the Disney Company was voicing Princess Tiana in Disney's flop, Princess and the Frog.

Really? A legend? Huh?

That's what I said.

[supernova]

The best I can figure is that they were attempting a Princess theme this year, and they ran out of female characters after already using up some of the deceased and more classic character voices. But still, I don't see Disney ever using Anika Noni Rose for another project any time in the near future, and hopefully they'll be putting that god-awful Princess and the Frog film out to pasture, right next to Home on the Range.

[JNota0005DakMC]

it seems that they go with more of a theme... no guidelines... i wonder how they decide though... it doesnt seem to be voted on like the baseball or NFL hall of fame... that might make more sense...

[supernova]

Right. This year also included someone who was Chairman of Walt Disney Productions for one year, between Card Walker and Michael Eisner. He was also President and CEO of The Irvine Project, but none of that earns him a spot as a Disney Legend, to me.

[Disney.Gen.2.0]

hopefully they'll be putting that god-awful Princess and the Frog film out to pasture, right next to Home on the Range.

What? "Princess and the Frog" made perfect sense. I mean, many Princesses have been restaurant entrepreneurs living in New Orleans. Right?! Right?!

[supernova]

Yes, especially if they serve frogs' legs. And PLEASE tell me that wasn't a joke in the film. I REFUSE to see that one. Ever. That and Tangled.

[Disney.Gen.2.0]

Yes, especially if they serve frogs' legs. And PLEASE tell me that wasn't a joke in the film. I REFUSE to see that one. Ever. That and Tangled.

I'll be honest, I don't remember 'Princess and the Frog' at all. I watched in on cable one night just to see how they pull off a Princess in New Orleans. They didn't

'Tangled' was a great movie. I saw that in the theater with my son, and considering that we were two dudes watching a "girl's movie" we thoroughly enjoyed it. Trust me, give it a chance. I'd watch it again. It's more than a "Princess" movie. It's just a really well told story. I think we have John Lasseter to thank for that.

[supernova]

'Tangled' was a great movie. I saw that in the theater with my son, and considering that we were two dudes watching a "girl's movie" we thoroughly enjoyed it. Trust me, give it a chance. I'd watch it again. It's more than a "Princess" movie. It's just a really well told story. I think we have John Lasseter to thank for that.

Don't forget... we also have Lasseter to thank for Cars, as well.

[Disney.Gen.2.0]

Don't forget... we also have Lasseter to thank for Cars, as well.

I guess we're on different wave-lengths "movie-wise" because I've seen 'Cars' a gazillion times (thanks to my son) and I still enjoy watching it. 'Princess and the Frog', however, just kept going and going and going.

[supernova]

First one wasn't bad at all. I did enjoy it more than I expected to. But even after watching that first one, I can't bring myself to see this one just yet. As for my comment, I was just making the Lasseter connection.

[supernova]

Just sent a few certificates out this week for autographs, and hope to get a few more out next week, too. This week's letters and certificates went to Tyrus Wong, Rolly Crump, Jack Lindquist, Ray Watson, and Randy Newman. Trying to get one off to Tim Allen tomorrow.

[MartianCrab]

I think the word "legend" is thrown around as much as the word "genius". Both are overused in my opinion.

[supernova]

Especially when it comes to people as obscure as Ray Watson. It appears that Disney is running out of true "Legends" and is now scraping the very bottom of the barrell.