On August 11, 2024 pop icon and as Hannah Montana former Disney star Miley Cyrus makes history as youngest Disney Legend at the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California. At 31 years old, Cyrus made history as the youngest person ever to receive this prestigious honor, which is reserved for individuals who have made significant contributions to the legacy of Disney.
Miley Cyrus wipes away tears during her Disney Legends acceptance speech at #D23. pic.twitter.com/iMU2UCcsgu
— Variety (@Variety) August 12, 2024
Standing on stage, overwhelmed by the love and admiration from the audience, Miley Cyrus teared up as she prepared to deliver her speech. She revealed that she had written two versions of her speech: “one long, [for] the badass I’m supposed to be, and one short, if I get scared.” This moment of vulnerability was a testament to the journey Cyrus has undergone since her early days as a Disney star.
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Miley Cyrus’ journey with Disney began in 2005 when she was cast as the lead in “Hannah Montana,” a show that quickly became a cultural phenomenon. She humorously recalled how she “definitely wasn’t created in a lab” as a “Disney kid,” and detailed the behind-the-scenes process that brought Hannah Montana to life. Interestingly, Cyrus wasn’t initially cast in the role, but once she got a taste of what her life could be, she knew she wanted nothing else.
“A little bit of everything has changed,” Miley reflected during her speech, “but at the same time, nothing has changed at all.” She expressed her enduring pride in having played Hannah Montana, a character who continues to resonate with millions of fans around the world.
“This award,” she said, “is dedicated to Hannah and all of her amazing loyal fans, and to everyone who has made my dream a reality. To quote the legend herself, ‘This is the life.’”
The event also saw other entertainment giants being honored as Disney Legends, including Angela Bassett, Harrison Ford, Jamie Lee Curtis, and more. But Miley Cyrus’ recognition held a special place in the hearts of many, as she represents not just a successful Disney star but an artist who has continued to evolve and grow beyond the confines of her early career.
Bob Iger, the Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, had high praise for Cyrus, noting in a press release, “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.”
Miley Cyrus first became a household name in 2006 with the premiere of “Hannah Montana,” where she played Miley Stewart, a regular teenager living a double life as a famous pop star. The show, which ran for four successful seasons until 2011, was not just a launchpad for Cyrus’ career, but also a beloved series for a generation of fans. The success of the show led to “Hannah Montana: The Movie” in 2009 and the “Best of Both Worlds” tour in 2011.
Even years after the show ended, Miley Cyrus continues to embrace her past as Hannah Montana. In 2021, she celebrated the 16th anniversary of the show’s debut by sharing a nostalgic video of herself performing one of Hannah’s biggest hits, “Hoedown Throwdown.” She expressed her gratitude on social media, writing, “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.”
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Looking ahead, Cyrus hasn’t ruled out the possibility of bringing back Hannah Montana. During a 2020 radio interview, she revealed that she often jokes about putting on the wig again and hinted that the opportunity to resurrect the character could come someday. “She needs a big makeover because she’s kinda stuck in 2008,” Miley said with a laugh, but left the door open for a potential comeback.
As Miley Cyrus continues to blaze her own trail in the entertainment industry, her recognition as a Disney Legend is a poignant reminder of where it all began. For her, and for many, the legacy of Hannah Montana lives on, proving that while life’s a climb, the view sure is great.
