Bob Iger Honored at PAC NYC Gala, Emphasizing Communal Value of Arts

Former Disney CEO Bob Iger was celebrated as the 2026 PAC NYC Icon of Culture at a gala event in lower Manhattan on Tuesday night. The gathering brought together numerous entertainment figures to reflect on his decades-long career.

Attendance and Special Appearances The event at the Perelman Performing Arts Center at One World Trade Center featured several notable attendees and performers:

• Luminaries including Ariana DeBose, Nick Jonas, and ABC News anchors Robin Roberts and David Muir gathered to honor Iger.
• PAC NYC Chairman and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and new Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro also praised Iger's career.
• A life-size Mickey Mouse made a surprise appearance, walking out to conduct the orchestra during a video highlighting Disney's media library.
• Jiminy Cricket made a second animated cameo appearance at the conclusion of Rufus Wainwright's performance.

Musical Performances and Theatrical Highlights While Disney is widely known for film and television, Tuesday's gala placed a strong emphasis on music and theatrical productions:

• Nick Jonas spoke about Iger's early support for his musical career before introducing a medley of hits from Disney musicals including Newsies, Aladdin, Frozen, and The Greatest Showman, whose stage version is scheduled to begin performances in London’s West End in the spring of 2027.
• EGOT-winning composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul performed songs from the 2017 film-turned-musical and debuted a new song, “The Show Goes On,” from the stage production.
• Samara Joy opened the show, while Ariana DeBose and Rufus Wainwright also performed.
• Hamilton actors Austin Scott and Isaiah Johnson performed “One Last Time,” an acclaimed song from the musical and a favorite of Iger. The title also shares its name with Iger's forthcoming memoir regarding his return to Disney as CEO from 2022 to 2026.

Remarks on Culture and Disruption Accepting the tribute, Iger expressed gratitude and reflected on the significance of the venue, noting that PAC NYC represents a symbol of resilience in lower Manhattan following the 9/11 tragedy. He also emphasized the importance of shared artistic experiences in the modern era.

"In our world, which is so rife with disruption and polarization, anxiety and challenge, art and culture have really never been more vital, more important," Iger stated, highlighting the value of communal experiences in places like PAC NYC.

Practical Implications and Verification Readers interested in verifying details of the event or upcoming theatrical productions such as *The Greatest Showman* in London's West End can consult official announcements from the Perelman Performing Arts Center or authorized theatrical ticket vendors. No original media assets should be reused without securing proper licensing rights.