It’s been quite a week for Bob Iger.
First, the former Disney CEO managed to buy one of America’s most-coveted sports franchises — which wasn’t even officially for sale — and today he became a Disney Legend. For those unfamiliar with the honor, it is given to those who have “made a significant impact on the Disney legacy.” The equivalent in sports would be induction into the hall of fame or having your number retired. Iger certainly qualifies.
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Iron Man himself was among those paying tribute to the longtime Disney leader. “Mr. Iger’s primary quality is courage,” said Robert Downy Jr. from the stage. The actor cited Iger’s “bold choices” and said that he succeeded through “empowering people.”
Robert Downey Jr. notes how Bob Iger “empowered people to inspire beyond perceived limitations” as he honors him at the Disney Legends Ceremony | #D23 pic.twitter.com/4I5WC5LMHj
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) August 16, 2026
Also on hand was Harrison Ford who said to Iger, “I watched you make some impossible decisions. I’ve watched you protect creative people. I’ve watched you carry enormous responsibility with remarkable grace. But what I’ll remember most is the way you made people believe. That’s leadership.”
Harrison Ford honors Bob Iger at Disney Legends, highlighting “what I’ll remember most is the way you made people believe” | #D23 pic.twitter.com/6WQhCPWoA1
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) August 16, 2026
Ellen Pompeo observed, “It’s your integrity and your kindness that will be your legacy forever. And thank you, Bob, for reminding us that leadership is not only about making decisions, but about making people matter.”
Ellen Pompeo shares that Bob Iger’s “integrity and kindness” will be his legacy as she honors him at the Disney Legends Ceremony | #D23 pic.twitter.com/QdnfVquElD
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) August 16, 2026
Iger took the stage to a standing ovation and went on to praise Disney’s new CEO Josh D’Amaro, saying, “I think you’re wearing that title really well and I am so proud to call you my successor.”
You can watch both moments below.
A huge applause and standing ovation for Bob Iger as he is awarded a Disney Legend | #D23 pic.twitter.com/9OX3yiF4KW
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) August 16, 2026
Bob Iger says “you’re wearing that title really well” to the new Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro: “I’m so proud to call you my successor” | #D23 Disney Legends Ceremony pic.twitter.com/8FrDIwREeS
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) August 16, 2026
Hayden Panettiere poses nearly naked in bathtub in ‘tearful’ final campaign before her death
Hayden Panettiere appears almost naked in a bathtub for an emotional PETA campaign filmed weeks before her death at the age of 36.
The Heroes and Nashville star died in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday. First responders could not revive her after attending the property. Authorities are still investigating Hayden’s death, with no official cause confirmed.
PETA released the finished campaign on Tuesday. In the video, Hayden uses the confined space of a bathtub to illustrate the conditions dolphins and whales face in marine amusement parks.
The newly released PETA film provides a glimpse of Hayden in one of her final campaigns, using her public profile to support a cause she had championed since her teenage years.
One of Hayden Panettiere’s final campaigns for PETA
In the campaign video, Hayden looks directly at the camera as she says: “Imagine spending your entire life in a bathtub. That’s what it’s like for dolphins and whales in tiny tanks at marine amusement parks.”
The actress then asks viewers to consider how captivity may affect the animals. She says: “Can you imagine their frustration, their trauma, their depression? All that’s important and crucial for their well-being is ripped away.”
Hayden also tells viewers: “We can end this. You and me.”
She concludes the video: “Together, we can end this cruelty. Thank you.”
Read more: Hayden Panettiere’s mother lashes out at her on-off boyfriend in statement after her death at 36
Her work for marine animals stretched back almost two decades. In 2007, Hayden joined activists confronting dolphin hunters off the coast of Taiji in Japan. The events featured in the 2009 documentary The Cove, which won the Oscar for best documentary feature.
She also worked with the Whaleman Foundation and regularly spoke out against marine mammal captivity.
PETA pays tribute to Hayden Panettiere
A PETA representative told Page Six that the campaign shoot took place on July 22. The representative also described Hayden as “wonderful” on set.
PETA senior vice president Lisa Lange later honoured the actress in a statement. She said: “Hayden Panettiere became a household name playing a hero on TV, but to animals, she was the real deal.”
Lange added: “The world has lost a kind soul and the animals a fierce ally, and everyone at PETA holds her memory close.”
The charity described the video as Hayden’s “last act of kindness” and released it as a tribute to her years of animal welfare work.
Hayden Panettiere’s cause of death remains unconfirmed
Authorities have not established Hayden’s official cause of death. TMZ reported that a 911 call referenced a possible overdose and cardiac arrest, but toxicology findings remain outstanding.
Officials said an autopsy found “no signs of trauma” that would have contributed to her death.
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