Actor Dwayne Johnson asked the crowd at Disney's D23 event to sing Happy Birthday to his daughter Simone after being honoured with a Disney Legend award on Sunday, August 16.
The 54-year-old actor received the award presented by The Walt Disney Company to individuals who have made a significant contribution to its history. Variety reported that during his acceptance speech on stage, Johnson highlighted his role as a father as the most important part of his life.
Reflecting on his family, Johnson recalled taking his eldest daughter, Simone, to Disneyland for the first time when she was five years old. He said he was in his 20s at the time, attempting to figure out how to be a father, husband, and man. He recalled a Disney princess asking Simone to close her eyes and make a wish, saying he would never forget watching his daughter's face in that moment. Johnson noted how dedicated she was to making her wish, asking himself what was going through her mind, and said those shared memories represent the beauty of Disney and of becoming a Disney Legend.
Because the ceremony took place shortly after Simone turned 25, Johnson asked the entire audience in the venue to join him in singing to her.
Tribute to Family and Daughters
Johnson also mentioned his two younger daughters, Jasmine and Tiana, who were watching the event from home. He said they had asked him what it meant to be named a Disney Legend, to which he joked that it meant they receive free tickets.
Emily Blunt Introduces Award
Actress Emily Blunt, who co-starred with Johnson in the film Jungle Cruise and the film The Smashing Machine, presented him with the honorary distinction.
Speaking on stage, Blunt described Johnson as an disarmingly wise, gentle, curious, and completely unpretentious person. She added with humor that he was not an angel, calling him a non-conforming, rule-breaking, and mold-breaking rebel.
The Disney Legends program was established by The Walt Disney Company in 1987 to honor individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the Disney legacy. The D23 event is an official fan convention hosted biennially by Disney to showcase new projects and celebrate key figures in company history.
