Iger Honored at Lower Manhattan Gala as Disney Icon

Former Disney CEO Bob Iger received an honor at a gala in lower Manhattan on Tuesday night.

The Perelman Performing Arts Center at One World Trade Center named Iger its 2026 Icon of Culture. Guests at the event included Ariana DeBose, Nick Jonas, Robin Roberts, David Muir, Michael Bloomberg, and Josh D'Amaro. A life-size Mickey Mouse character also walked onto the stage. Iger said he was humbled by the award but noted the presence of Mickey Mouse made the title seem over the top. He called Mickey a "true icon of culture."

Iger spoke about the role of art and culture. He said, "In our world, which is so rife with disruption and polarization, anxiety and challenge, art and culture have really never been more vital, more important." He added that enabling people to share entertainment together in communal experiences is "truly exceptional."

The program included musical performances. Samara Joy opened the show, and Rufus Wainwright closed it. DeBose, Pasek, and Paul also performed. Jonas spoke about how Iger helped him and his brothers start their musical career. He said, "Bob believed in us in a way that we probably didn't believe in ourselves." Hamilton actors Austin Scott and Isaiah Johnson performed "One Last Time." The song is also the title of Iger's forthcoming memoir about his return to Disney as CEO from 2022 to 2026.

Roberts, Muir, Bloomberg, and D'Amaro spoke about Iger's career. Iger thanked them and others in his remarks. He said he was "overcome with gratitude for this unbelievable tribute." He also discussed the Perelman center, calling the space a "tremendous symbol of true resilience" in the rebuilding of lower Manhattan after the attacks of 9/11.

Iger also spoke about a fig tree at his house. He said he has a vision of sitting under his own vine and fig tree. He noted the tree is about 100 years old. He joked that the fantasy is interrupted by figs that drop from the tree, making it impossible to enjoy the moment.