Celebrities Speaks Out In Support Of Bob Iger's Return To Disney

On Sunday night, the nation was left shocked after The Walt Disney Companyannounced Bob Chapek, 62, would be stepping down as CEO of the company, and Robert A. Iger, 71, would return to run the company, effective immediately.

Mr. Iger previously served as Disney’s CEO from 2005 to 2020 and is considered one of the best leaders in Hollywood history, especially amongst the Disney community. He has agreed to a two-year contract.

Now, many celebrities are speaking out about the shocking move, many in support of Iger and his return.

Josh Gad, known for voicing Olaf in Disney's "Frozen," shared the news to Instagram, writing, "The King has returned!! Welcome back to @disney to the greatest man in the biz."

Disney fanatic and "Full House" actor, John Stamos, commented on Gad's post, writing, "Here, here!!!!" And film director Marianna Palka also commented, "I love Bob so much. Such a skilled optimist & with a full imagination mirroring Walt disney himself."

Michael Eisner, former Disney CEO, Tweteed about the move, writing "Welcome back to Disney, @RobertIger!"

And Disney Animator Matt Braly, who is the creator of the Disney+ animated series "Amphibia," Tweeted "I cannot tell you how elated the entire animation industry is to see this man gone lmao."

The news of Bob Iger returning as CEO broke just after the 71-year-old sent out an email to Disney employees.

“It is with an incredible sense of gratitude and humility -and, I must admit, a bit of amazement -that I write to you this evening with the news that I am returning to The Walt Disney Company as Chief Executive Officer,” Iger began.

The 71-year-old continued to highlight some of the profits and growth across the company, explaining, “When I look at the creative success of our teams across our Studios, Disney General Entertainment, ESPN and International, the rapid growth of our streaming services, the phenomenal reimagining and rebound of our Parks, the continued great work of ABC News, and so many other achievements across our businesses, I am in awe of your accomplishments and I am excited to embark with you on many new endeavors.”

Throughout the last few years, the Walt Disney Company implemented many layoffs due to the coronavirus pandemic, a well as implemented many new procedures, including a Park Pass reservation system for the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Parks, and a paid Disney Genie+ system that allows Guests to bypass attraction lines.

“I know this company has asked so much of you during the past three years, and these times certainly remain quite challenging, but as you have heard me say before, I am an optimist, and if I learned one thing from my years at Disney, it is that even in the face of uncertainty -perhaps especially in the face of uncertainty – our employees and Cast Members achieve the impossible,” Iger continued in his email to Disney employees.

“You will be hearing more from me and your leaders tomorrow and in the weeks ahead. In the meantime, allow me to express my deep gratitude for all that you do. Disney holds a special place in the hearts of people around the globe thanks to you, and your dedication to this company and its mission to bring joy to people through great storytelling is an inspiration to me every single day,” he concluded.