To cap off an unforgettable weekend: D23: The ultimate Disney fan event, presented by Visa® ends on Sunday, August 11, with the presentation of the Disney Legends Awards. The Disney Legends Awards honor artists and visionaries in the history of The Walt Disney Company who have pushed the boundaries of creativity, challenged conventional wisdom and broken the constraints of the status quo in search of new possibilities and excellence. This year’s honorees in this 37-year tradition include Colleen Atwood, Angela Bassett, Martha Blanding, James L. Brooks, James Cameron, Jamie Lee Curtis, Miley Cyrus, Steve Ditko, Harrison Ford, Mark Henn, Frank Oz, Kelly Ripa, Joe Rohde and John Williams.
In an exclusive Q&A, Kelly Ripa – who will be honored in the Television category – reflects on her contributions to the company and what it means to be called a Disney Legend.
You were co-moderator Live for years. During that time, you were able to film at both the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, host the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade, and more. What are your favorite Disney memories from that time?
I love watching the magic, the excellence, the splendor and the precision of all the actors and actresses. Whenever something looks effortless, you know there is a tremendous amount of work going on behind the scenes. At Disney, you just don’t see any seams. Everything seems so seamless. And it has been a great time to be able to raise my children year after year and give them this unique privilege of visiting the parks – especially when I hosted the Christmas parade.
It’s so nice to be there and celebrate the holidays this way.
What are some highlights from your 30+ years with the ABC family?
Receiving my award for 30 years of Jiminy Cricket was a pretty big deal because it meant that I was working at Disney as long as my dad worked at New Jersey Transit. I don’t think my dad ever considered my job a real job until I reached that milestone! And now I’ve been confirmed that I Do actually have a real job.
You met your husband, Mark Consuelos, on an ABC soap opera and now you co-host a talk show syndicated by Disney Entertainment. Are you living a Disney fairytale?
100%. I’m definitely living a Disney fairytale, no question about it. However, Mark seems to be Aladdin and I’m more like Ursula.
You will receive this award from your former Live Co-host Ryan Seacrest. What makes this all so special?
It’s special that Disney recognizes our interdependence, and I think that makes sense. We can only give and receive awards from each other, so that’s very special, and of course it gives me the opportunity to harass him on a public stage, which I never tire of doing.
How does it feel to be honored as a Disney Legend?
It feels surreal. I feel like the job is a gift, and I feel like the longevity is a gift. And if I’m honest, the honor on top of the job feels kind of excessive. But it’s a privilege and a true honor.
