Robert Downey Jr honoured with Disney Legend Award at D23 Expo 2019

'Iron Man' is now a Disney legend. It was Disney's turn to say 'I love you 3000' to Robert Downey Jr, who helped launch the Marvel Studios and the Avengers juggernaut.

The actor, iconic voice actor James Earl Jones, singer Christina Aguilera and "Hocus Pocus" star Bette Middler were among the 12 celebrities to be inducted in the class of Disney Legends at D23 Expo 2019 here on Friday. Downey Jr was also joined by actor- filmmaker Jon Favreau, who directed the first and second "Iron Man" movies and also starred in them as Happy Hogan.

Staying true to his quirky self, Downey Jr began his acceptance speech by sharing a trivia about his maiden visit to Disneyland. The star revealed he was arrested for smoking pot in the gondola. "Here's a bit of a trivia for you. The very first time I went Disneyland, I was transported to another place within moments of being arrested," he said.

The actor, who made his Disney debut with 2006 film "The Shaggy Dog", marked the birth of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with 2008's "Iron Man". His portrayal of the Marvel comics superhero Iron Man aka Tony Stark was loved by the audience across the globe, and the 54-year-old actor went on to star in a series of MCU movies including standalones and multi-starrers like "The Avengers" and "Avengers: Infinity War" among others.

He said playing 'Iron Man' for over a decade was one of the greatest gifts in his career. "For my part, playing Tony Stark over many years, the thematic idea that technology can guide our species towards enlightenment or destruction, it's been a really worthwhile and ongoing meditation. Honestly, it's been a great gift. I want to thank fans who made this possible," an emotional Downey Jr said.

The actor also thanked Disney head Bob Iger, Marvel Studios chief Kevin Fiege, directors Joe and Anthony Russo and Favreau, with whom he said he shared a brotherly bond of faith. "I get to remain a fan of the first inclusive and evolving cinematic universe ever so far. Here is to future," the actor, whose speech was interrupted twice by adoring fans, said.

"Avengers: Endgame", which released in April this year, was Downey Jr's last film as Iron Man as the character died in the end of the biggest war in the MCU. Praising Downey Jr's portrayal of Iron Man, Iger said it was a coming together of "a phenomenal actor and a fantastic character."

Other recipients of the award were celebrated composer Hans Zimmer, Wing T Chao, director Kenny Ortega, choreographer Barnette Ricci, journalists Robin Roberts and Diane Swayer and actor Ming Na-Wen. All the honourees received a two-foot-tall bronze Disney Legends sculpture that signified the imagination, creativity and magic they brought to the company.