ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 16: Dwayne Johnson gets his handprints with Mickey Mouse at the Disney Entertainment Showcase at D23: Legends on August 16, 2026 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/ for
TV & Film

Dwayne Johnson Crowned Disney Legend at D23 and Leads Stadium Birthday Song for Daughter Simone

The 'Moana' megastar celebrated receiving Disney's highest honor by getting the entire arena to serenade his eldest daughter.

By Rae MitchellPublished Updated 2 min read

Dwayne Johnson just added another major title to his legendary entertainment career. The global superstar took center stage at Disney's massive D23 fan convention on Sunday to officially accept the company's highest honor, getting inducted as a Disney Legend in front of thousands of cheering fans. The prestigious hall-of-fame tribute recognizes Johnson’s massive contributions to the House of Mouse across multiple eras. From leading action-packed family films like *Race to Witch Mountain* and *Jungle Cruise* to lending his commanding voice to the beloved demigod Maui in the smash-hit *Moana* franchise, the actor has cemented himself as one of the most iconic figures under the Disney banner.

Did Dwayne Johnson get named a Disney Legend at D23?

When he stepped up to the microphone to accept the glowing tribute, Johnson expressed deep gratitude for his long-standing partnership with the studio. But the A-list actor quickly proved that even during his biggest career high points, his family will always come first. Instead of focusing purely on his own achievements during his acceptance speech, the action star used his time on stage to orchestrate an epic dad moment. Johnson called on the entire D23 arena crowd to join him in singing a giant, auditorium-wide rendition of "Happy Birthday" for his eldest daughter, Simone Johnson.

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 16: Dwayne Johnson gets his handprints with Mickey Mouse at the Disney Entertainment Showcase at D23: Legends on August 16, 2026 in Anaheim, California.
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 16: Dwayne Johnson gets his handprints with Mickey Mouse at the Disney Entertainment Showcase at D23: Legends on August 16, 2026 in Anaheim, California.

What did Dwayne Johnson do for his daughter Simone at D23?

Simone, who has carved out her own public spotlight in the wrestling world under her WWE persona Ava, received the ultimate arena-sized shoutout from her dad. The massive crowd happily obliged, transforming a formal Hollywood ceremony into a viral, warmhearted family birthday bash that stole the show. The Disney Legend distinction places Johnson alongside an elite roster of legendary creators, performers, and visionaries who have helped build the company's pop-culture legacy over the decades. Yet, by turning the spotlight toward his daughter, the Hollywood heavyweight demonstrated that personal milestones matter far more than shiny trophies. With major Disney projects right around the corner—including the highly anticipated animated sequel *Moana 2* and the upcoming live-action adaptation—Johnson's reign as a studio powerhouse shows zero signs of slowing down. His adorable moment on stage left attendees cheering, proving once again why he remains one of the most charismatic stars in Hollywood.

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People also ask

Why did Dwayne Johnson receive a Disney Legend award?
Dwayne Johnson was honored as a Disney Legend at D23 for his extensive career contributions to Disney films, including Jungle Cruise, Race to Witch Mountain, and voicing Maui in Moana.
What did Dwayne Johnson do for his daughter at D23?
After accepting his Disney Legend trophy, Johnson got the entire D23 arena audience to join him in singing 'Happy Birthday' to his daughter Simone.