There should be an announcement about a new class of Disney Legends any day now. And there are fans that are calling for prolific voice artist Jim Cummings to be named a Disney Legend in the new class.
The last class of Disney Legends was announced in 2019 andwas presented at that year’s D23 Expo. At that time, fans were quietly disappointed that Cummings was not named as a Disney Legend.
Disney Legends are,according to the official D23 website, “chosen by a selection committee, formerly appointed and chaired by the late Roy E. Disney. Since its inception, the program has honored many gifted animators, Imagineers, songwriters, actors, and business leaders as having made a significant impact on the Disney legacy. On August 04, 2025, the new Disney Legends Plaza was dedicated at The Walt Disney Studios to commemorate the 75th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company. The Plaza features a second edition of the bronze sculpture first placed in Disneyland Paris, with bronze plaques representing the individual Legends lining the columns of the Plaza.”
It was expected that there would be a class announced for 2021; however, there has not, as yet, been any announcement as to when a new class will be added to the list of Disney Legends.
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Jim Cummings Has Had a Long Relationship With Disney
Jim Cummings is someone with whom people may not be familiar with his name, but are almost certainly familiar with his voice. A veteran voice actor with close to 600 movie, TV show and video game credits, Cummings has provided the voice for many beloved characters. His association with Disney began with his very first role in Hollywood, playing Lionel the Lion in the seriesDumbo’s Circus. It was a big break for Cummings and would lead to bigger and better things.
In 1988, Cummings would land his biggest role with Disney, taking over the voice of Winnie the Pooh from Disney Legend Sterling Halloway after the latter’s passing. His matching of Halloway’s vocal patterns for the character was so close that a lot of people did not realize that the character had been recast. He has continued playing Winnie the Pooh since, most recently in the live action movieChristopher Robinwith Ewan McGregor and Hayley Atwell.
In aColliderinterview aboutChristopher Robin, Cummings said, “I think it’s just beautiful. It’s perfect timing because the world can catch up with us and steal our magic and that childhood sense of wonder. It’s really east to forget the truly important things in the world when you’re doing the 9 to 5 and bringing home the paycheck. Next thing you know, you’re out there in the world and you don’t stop and smell the roses. So, Pooh makes sure that Christopher gets back to what’s important in the world. I think we can all use some of that.”
Cummings has also provided the voice for the titular role for the 90s cartoonDarkwing Duck, a role he calls his favorite Disney role. In fact, Cummings was the only vocal actor to portray roles in every animated series produced by Disney in the 1990s, includingDarkwing Duck,Goof Troop,Gargoyles,Aladdin,andBonkers. He continues to provide vocal work for Disney, having most recently appeared for them in 2021’sMickey Mouse Funhouse.
Only time will tell if the fans’ call for the talented voice actor’s inclusion into the hallowed halls of theDisneyLegends is answered.
