2006 Disney Legends Ceremony
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Kevin Corcoran: Television and Film

First up was Kevin Corcoran, the mischievous “Moochie�? of Disney television. Among the credits cited by Dick Cook was his outstanding role in Old Yeller. “I still can’t believe you killed the dog!�? Cook said in mock dismay. After appearances in films as diverse as The Shaggy Dog, Pollyana, Swiss Family Robinson, Toby Tyler (title role), Babes in Toyland and Bon Voyage!, Corcoran went to college and returned to the studio to work behind the camera. Cook wound up his detailing of Corcoran’s background, saying, “Kevin, I hope you’ll agree that this place—the Disney Studio—is your Hollywood home.�?

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As the theme song “Moochie�? filled the air, Corcoran shyly took the stage. He simply stated, “I’m not a very good speaker. I’m very honored.�? He added that in the 19 years he worked at Disney, there wasn’t a morning that he got up that he wasn’t excited to be going to work. He concluded that he was happy to have worked at a company with a conscience.

Tommy Kirk: Television and Film

Cook then turned to the next honoree, Tommy Kirk. Kirk was one half of the Hardy Boys, and made six films with the previous honoree, Kevin Corcoran, including Old Yeller. “I think he’s the one who actually shot the dog,�? joked Cook. Kirk was greatly influenced by his days at Disney. Cook recalled a meeting between Walt and the young star. Hedda Hopper, the legendary film columnist was with Walt, who put his arm around Kirk and said, “This is my good luck piece here.�?

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Tommy Kirk took the stage, gravely surveyed the crowd, and said, “When I was making Mars Needs Women…�? There was a mild titter from the crowd as he continued, a sly grin spreading across his face. “It occurred to me I’d done better work.�? He said he was grateful that he would never be embarrassed by his work for Disney. He concluded his remarks, “I want to thank Walt Disney for the opportunity he gave me.�?

Tim Considine: Television and Film

Cook next introduced Tim Considine, one half of the popular team of Spin and Marty. The first installment of the Mickey Mouse Club serial proved so popular that two sequels were produced. He went on to films (The Shaggy Dog, Sunrise at Campobello, and a memorable but brief appearance as the soldier slapped by George C. Scott in Patton) and a five year run in the TV series My Three Sons. After his acting career, Considine pursued his loves of writing, photography, sports and cars. “Here on the lot,�? Cook concluded, “You’ll always be one of our favorite Triple-R ranchers.�?

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As Considine looked over the crowd, he deadpanned, “When I was 14 I went through one of my several retirements from show business.�? He went on to explain that his uncle/agent told him about a new kid’s program that was casting. Considine wasn’t interested until he saw the “magic words:�? Walt Disney. Over they years, he said, when asked if it bothers him when people would say, “I saw you in this or that,�? he would assure them that it was so nice to know that what they did at Disney meant so much to so many people. Of his years at the studio, Considine said, “This was a very important time.�? He concluded by saying he was honored and very fortunate to have been a part of it, and to have known Mr. Disney.

David Stollery: Television and Film

“You can’t have Spin without Marty,�? Cook said in introducing the next honoree. David Stollery was hired by Walt Disney to play the pivotal role of Marty Markham, the spoiled rich boy. After working on various serials for the Mickey Mouse Club, Stollery went on to appear in Ten Who Dared and Westward Ho the Wagons! After deciding that acting did not offer the security he sought in a career, Stollery attended the Art Center College of Design and became an industrial designer. After seven years with General Motors, he was hired by Toyota in 1973. Among his many projects was the design of the 1978 Toyota Celica.

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As he stepped up to accept his award, Stollery said, “This is quite an honor.�? He added, “This is difficult to say, but, thank you Tim for turning down the role of Marty!�? As the laughter subsided he added, “I guess the one word I would have to say in receiving this award is-- I am absolutely astonished.�? He then thanked everyone for remembering.

Cook summed up the four awards, saying, “Together, you represent an amazing era. It’s a thrill to have you back together on the lot.�?