Bob Iger, recently honored as the 2026 PAC NYC Icon of Culture, shared with “Good Morning America” host Robin Roberts how his life has changed since stepping down as chief executive of The Walt Disney Company in March. “It’s definitely different. The days are quieter,” Iger said, adding that he appreciates the smaller pace.
Legacy at Disney
During his nearly two‑decade tenure, Iger oversaw the acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm and 21st Century Fox, and launched the Disney+ streaming service. When asked about his greatest achievement, he highlighted preserving the 100‑year‑old company’s legacy and handing it to a successor in a healthy state. “I did no harm. In fact, I think I actually did some good,” he said, noting the joy Disney has brought to audiences worldwide.
Looking back, looking forward
Iger acknowledged that he does not spend much time second‑guessing past decisions. “I’ve always tried to learn from the mistakes that I made. It turned out pretty well, so I probably wouldn’t want to do anything differently,” he explained, while recognizing there are always moments he wishes could have been handled another way.
New chapter with the Los Angeles Lakers
Beyond entertainment, Iger is entering the sports arena as a new co‑owner of the Los Angeles Lakers alongside businessman Josh Kushner. He emphasized the value of gathering people for shared experiences, saying, “Sports does that. People love to experience things together, and the Lakers are an incredible brand.” Iger noted his role with the team is still being defined.
Celebrating culture
Next week Iger will receive the PAC NYC Icon of Culture award at the third annual gala presented by BNY at the Perelman Performing Arts Center, a cultural venue at the reimagined World Trade Center site. He described the honor as a recognition of the importance of art and culture in today’s complex world, adding that supporting the arts helps bring people together and alleviate anxiety.
As Iger moves forward, he remains committed to the principle that shared cultural experiences—whether through movies, streaming, or sports—can unite communities and provide lasting joy.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
