Age of The Nerd
If there’s one voice that has been part of countless childhoods, it’s Jim Cummings. From the lovable Winnie the Pooh and bouncy Tigger to Darkwing Duck and Star Wars’ Hondo Ohnaka, the legendary voice actor has brought more than 1,500 characters to life—and now he’s bringing those iconic voices to D23!
Fresh off receiving the prestigious Inkpot Award from Comic-Con International, Cummings is heading to Anaheim for three exciting D23 panels celebrating Disney animation, nostalgia, music, and the incredible legacy of some of Disney’s most beloved characters.
Jim Cummings Is Taking Over D23
Cummings is scheduled to appear at three panels during D23, giving fans plenty of opportunities to hear stories from his remarkable four-decade career in animation and voice acting.
First up, Cummings will join Disney Animation legend Ron Clements for Making Disney Magic with Ron Clements on Friday, August 14, from 2:45–3:45 p.m. on the Archives Stage.
Clements, whose impressive career includes directing and writing some of Disney’s biggest animated classics, will take fans behind the scenes of his new book, Making Disney Magic. Cummings is a particularly fitting guest, having worked with Clements on several beloved Disney films, including The Princess and the Frog, where he voiced the charming Cajun firefly Ray. His Disney credits also include Aladdin, Hercules, and Treasure Planet.
And if that wasn’t enough Disney nostalgia, Cummings will also hit the Premier Stage for Disney Rewind Concert performances on both Friday and Saturday.
Friday’s concert takes place from 7:00–8:30 p.m., while Saturday’s performance runs from 6:30–8:00 p.m. The throwback concert celebrates some of Disney’s biggest hits from the 1980s and 1990s—and Cummings is practically royalty when it comes to that era of Disney television.
As one of the defining voices of the legendary Disney Afternoon, Cummings appeared in virtually every series in the lineup. Fans can expect a celebration alongside fellow Disney Animation and Broadway stars including Bill Farmer, Jodi Benson, and Susan Egan.
In other words: Disney nostalgia is about to be turned all the way up!
From Disney Afternoon to a Comic-Con Honor
Cummings’ appearance at D23 comes at the end of an especially memorable summer.
In late July, Comic-Con International honored the voice acting legend with an Inkpot Award, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to comics, science fiction/fantasy, film, television, animation, and fandom.
“I am truly humbled and blessed to receive such an incredible honor, and I proudly share it with my fans – who’ve always been so wonderfully supportive of my work,” Cummings said.
The award is another major milestone in a career that has spanned more than four decades.
Cummings has voiced more than 1,500 animated characters across nearly 200 films, 134 television series encompassing more than 2,500 episodes, 175 video games, and 25 animated shorts. That staggering resume includes some of the most recognizable characters in animation history.
And 2026 is an especially fitting year for Cummings to celebrate one of his most famous roles.
The world is marking the 100th anniversary of Winnie the Pooh, the “Silly Ol’ Bear” whose voice has become so closely associated with Cummings. The actor recently helped celebrate Pooh’s centennial alongside the Queen of England, adding another unforgettable moment to his remarkable Pooh legacy.
A Legacy That Goes Beyond the Microphone
Cummings is a two-time Annie Award winner and recipient of the prestigious Winsor McCay Award, but his work doesn’t stop when the microphone is turned off.
He is also the host of the popular Toon’d In! with Jim Cummings podcast, where he shares behind-the-scenes stories, chats with animation legends, and gives fans a closer look at the world of voice acting.
Beyond entertainment, Cummings has also dedicated considerable time to charitable work, particularly efforts that bring joy to children facing serious illnesses. Through organizations including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, he has used his unmistakable characters and voices to brighten the lives of young fans.
Whether he’s making audiences laugh as Tigger, bringing warmth to Winnie the Pooh, sending up villains as Darkwing Duck, or entertaining Star Wars fans as Hondo Ohnaka, Jim Cummings has created a career built on voices that fans never forget.
And with three appearances at D23, fans have plenty of chances to celebrate the man behind some of Disney’s most iconic characters.
So, if you’re heading to D23 this weekend, keep your ears open—you never know which legendary voice might pop up next!
