Disney fans gathered at the annual D23 Expo on Friday for the Disney Legends Award -- but little did they know a major star surprise was about to happen!
In addition to "Star Wars" creator George Lucas, famed composer Danny Elfman and "All My Children's" Susan Lucci -- "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise star Johnny Depp wowed the crowd as a surprise Disney Legend inductee.
"I don't know why I'm here," the actor, who will reprise his Captain Jack Sparrow in 2017's "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales," joked with the crowd.
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While speaking about his career and his fans, he explained, "I never really liked the word fan. It implies that someone is over someone else. I would say that you are actually my employer."
When a fan shouted the pirate term "parley" from the audience, Depp slipped into Jack Sparrow's iconic voice, as fans cheered.
During George Lucas' induction, the legendary filmmaker explained that the magic of Disney has guided him throughout his career.
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"Disney has been part of my life for 60 years," the "Star Wars" creator told the crowd. "I was there the second day Disneyland was open. A lot of what I do came out of the films and the joy I’ve had at the park. In fact, here’s something no one knows... Goofy was the inspiration for Jar Jar Binks... I love Goofy and I love Jar Jar."
Many were hoping that Lucas would speak about the upcoming "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," but he unfortunately remained quiet on the new installment.
Other Disney Legend inductees on Friday at D23 included ESPN executive chairman George Bodenheimer, animator Andreas Deja, the late Disney artist Eyvind Earle, the first Disneyland Ambassador Julie Reihm Casaletto and Disney Consumer Products veteran Carson Van Osten.
-- Jesse Spero
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