Nick Jonas has revisited one of the most important chapters of the Jonas Brothers’ career, sharing how Disney became part of their story and why former Disney CEO Bob Iger remained an important figure in that journey. During a special appearance in New York City, the singer looked back at the relationship that began when he was a child performer and eventually helped transform him and his brothers into Disney Channel stars.

The tribute carried an added sense of significance as Jonas reflected on a career milestone that brought the story full circle. What began with a nine-year-old playing Chip on Broadway eventually connected three brothers, a major entertainment company and the executive who supported their rise.

Nick Jonas Reflects on His Childhood Connection to Disney

For Nick Jonas, the relationship with Disney started much earlier than his rise to international fame alongside brothers Joe and Kevin.

Speaking at the PAC NYC Icons of Culture Gala on October 27, 2026, Jonas recalled his childhood appearance in the Broadway production of Beauty and the Beast. At just nine years old, he played Chip, a role that would become an unexpected starting point for a much longer professional relationship with Disney.

Remembering that early experience, Jonas said:

“When I first worked for Disney, I was just little Chip. Literally, I played Chip in the Broadway production of Beauty and the Beast when I was 9 years old,”

A photograph of Jonas in his childhood role was displayed during his remarks. The singer had previously shared the same image on TikTok in 2024, ahead of his Broadway return in The Last Five Years.

Looking back at the photograph, Jonas joked about his younger appearance before explaining how little he could have known about what was ahead.

“Yep, that cutie right there is me,” he said. “That kid had no idea that just a few years later, he’d be recording an album for Disney and starting a two decade relationship that would change his life in unimaginable ways.”

That relationship eventually became a defining part of the Jonas Brothers’ entertainment career.

Nick Jonas’ Career Before the Disney Era
Nick Jonas’ professional journey has included major personal and career milestones beyond the brothers’ Disney years. For more background, see our Nick Jonas Sunday Best reunion report.

How the Jonas Brothers Became Disney Channel Stars

Nick, Joe and Kevin Jonas gradually established themselves as performers before becoming closely associated with Disney’s television and film projects.

Their partnership with the company expanded across music, movies and television, introducing the brothers to a much wider audience. Some of their best-known Disney projects included Camp Rock, Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam and Jonas Brothers: The 3-D Concert Experience.

They also starred in the Disney Channel television series JONAS, further strengthening their connection with the network.

These projects helped establish the Jonas Brothers as prominent Disney Channel performers, with their work extending beyond traditional music releases into films, television appearances and live entertainment.

During his gala tribute, Jonas specifically recognised Bob Iger’s contribution to that period of their careers.

He credited the former Disney chief with helping turn the three brothers into “bonafide Disney Channel stars”, describing Iger as someone who believed in them at an important stage of their professional development.

However, their relationship with Disney did not end when their original Disney Channel era came to a close. Another important chapter began after the brothers reunited in 2019.

Nick Jonas Reveals Bob Iger Reached Out After the Jonas Brothers Reunited in 2019

The Jonas Brothers’ reunion in 2019 marked a significant moment for the group after a six-year hiatus.

During his October tribute, Jonas recalled that Iger was among the first people to contact the brothers following their return.

The singer’s comments offered a personal insight into how the relationship between the musicians and Disney continued after their earlier projects had established their connection.

Jonas explained that the conversation helped open the door to further collaborations with the entertainment company.

“That conversation led to two more movies, original music at parks around the world and another chapter in a story that I still can’t believe I get to live,” Jonas said.

The remark highlighted how Iger’s support extended beyond the brothers’ initial rise as Disney Channel stars.

Their post-reunion relationship with Disney included two additional movies and original music performed at parks around the world, continuing a professional connection that had started during Jonas’ childhood.

For the singer, the relationship represented much more than a successful period of television and film work. It connected different stages of his life, from his first Broadway performance to the reunion that brought the brothers back together.

Jonas Brothers and Bob Iger Were Inducted as Disney Legends in 2026

One of the most meaningful moments in Jonas’ tribute involved an honour that he and his brothers received alongside Iger earlier in 2026.

On August 16, the Jonas Brothers and Iger were inducted into the Disney Legends class at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim.

The Disney Legends Award is described by the company as its highest honour, recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to Disney’s history and entertainment legacy.

The 2026 class included several prominent figures from entertainment and other industries.

Disney Legend	Recognition in the 2026 class
Chris Berman	Disney Legends inductee
Jerry Bruckheimer	Disney Legends inductee
Susan Egan	Disney Legends inductee
Eric Goldberg	Disney Legends inductee
Anne Hathaway	Disney Legends inductee
Bob Iger	Disney Legends inductee
Kim Irvine	Disney Legends inductee
Dwayne Johnson	Disney Legends inductee
Jonas Brothers	Disney Legends inductees
Lin-Manuel Miranda	Disney Legends inductee
Alan Tudyk	Disney Legends inductee

The Jonas Brothers were recognised in the Television and Music category for their contributions across Disney entertainment.

For Nick, sharing the honour with Iger gave the occasion an especially personal meaning. The executive who had supported the brothers during their Disney years was now standing alongside them as a fellow Disney Legend.

Reflecting on the moment, Jonas said:

“And this summer, that story came full circle. Joe, Kevin, and I were named Disney Legends right alongside Bob,” Jonas said. “The kid who played Chip and the man who believed in him inducted together. Bob, I can’t think of anyone I’d rather share this honor with.”

The induction brought together the different stages of the brothers’ Disney history, including their work in music, television and film.

Disney’s presentation at D23 also highlighted their decades-long association with the company’s brands and entertainment projects.

Why Nick Jonas Honoured Bob Iger at the PAC NYC Icons of Culture Gala

The occasion for Jonas’ emotional reflection was the third annual PAC NYC Icons of Culture Gala, held at the Perelman Performing Arts Center in New York City on October 27, 2026.

Iger was named the 2026 PAC NYC Icon of Culture, recognising his decades of influence across entertainment, television, film, sports, news and philanthropy.

The gala brought together personalities from across the entertainment industry for an evening celebrating Iger’s career and the cultural legacy associated with Disney during his leadership.

Jonas introduced a musical performance featuring songs connected to Disney Broadway productions, including Frozen, Aladdin and The Greatest Showman. The latter production is scheduled to open in London’s West End in April 2027.

The evening also featured performances from Samara Joy, Rufus Wainwright, Ariana DeBose and Broadway performers Austin Scott and Isaiah Johnson, among others.

Scott and Johnson, known for playing Alexander Hamilton and George Washington in Hamilton, performed “One Last Time.” The song also shares its title with Iger’s forthcoming memoir.

Other performances included music from Newsies, The Greatest Showman, Aladdin and Frozen.

Rufus Wainwright performed “When You Wish Upon a Star,” while Mickey Mouse appeared during a performance connected to Fantasmic!.

The programme combined musical tributes and Disney-related performances, making the evening both a celebration of Iger’s professional achievements and a reflection on the entertainment legacy associated with his time at the company.

Bob Iger’s Disney CEO Tenure Ended in March 2026

The gala took place several months after Iger formally stepped away from his position as Disney CEO.

Josh D’Amaro became CEO of The Walt Disney Company on March 18, 2026, succeeding Iger following the leadership transition announced by Disney’s board.

Under the arrangement, Iger became a Senior Advisor to the company and continued serving as a member of Disney’s board through the end of 2026.

Disney currently identifies him as its former Chairman and CEO, Senior Advisor and board member.

Iger’s career at Disney included two separate periods as chief executive. He first became CEO in 2005 before returning to the position in November 2022.

During his leadership, Disney completed major acquisitions involving Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm and 21st Century Fox. The company also launched Disney+ and expanded its global entertainment operations.

Although his relationship with the Jonas Brothers represents only one part of his wider career, Jonas’ comments at the gala demonstrated the personal significance of Iger’s support to the singer and his brothers.

Jonas Brothers Continue Their 2026 Burning Up Tour All Over Again

Away from the gala and Disney celebrations, the Jonas Brothers are continuing an active year on the road.

The group is currently performing on its Burning Up Tour All Over Again, a 2026 North American concert tour built around the legacy of the original Burning Up Tour.

The current tour began with three performances at New York City’s Madison Square Garden on August 20, 21 and 22.

Across its 45 North American dates, the tour features special guests on selected performances, including Magnus Ferrell, Franklin Jonas and All Time Low.

The brothers are also scheduled to perform two December shows at Newark’s Prudential Center, with concerts planned for December 21 and December 22.

PEOPLE identifies December 22 as the tour’s final performance, while Prudential Center currently lists both dates as Jonas Brothers shows.

The December performances will bring the tour to the brothers’ hometown-area audience following an eventful year that has included their Disney Legends induction and continued work on Disney-related projects.

Conclusion: A Disney Journey That Came Full Circle for Nick Jonas

Nick Jonas’ tribute to Bob Iger at the PAC NYC Icons of Culture Gala offered a personal look at a relationship that has stretched across decades.

From playing Chip in Beauty and the Beast at nine years old to becoming a Disney Channel star with Joe and Kevin, Jonas’ career developed alongside an increasingly significant connection with the company.

Iger’s support remained part of that story after the Jonas Brothers reunited in 2019, leading to further movie projects and original music for Disney parks. Their shared Disney Legends induction in August 2026 added another meaningful milestone to that history.

For Jonas, the moment was about more than celebrating a former Disney CEO. It was an opportunity to recognise someone who had believed in the brothers during an important stage of their careers and who eventually shared one of Disney’s highest honours with them.

The story that began with a little boy playing Chip had come full circle, bringing Nick Jonas and Bob Iger together once again in recognition of their shared Disney journey.

Another Side of Nick Jonas’ Family Story
Nick has also spoken publicly about becoming a father and the difficult circumstances surrounding his daughter’s early arrival. For that separate story, see our Nick Jonas and Malti Marie family report.

Source and Research Disclaimer

This article has been prepared based on research of the sources provided below, including reports from PEOPLE, The Walt Disney Company, D23, ABC7 New York, PAC NYC-related gala coverage, Prudential Center and the Jonas Brothers’ official website. All dates, statements, quotations, event details and other information reflect the material available from these sources at the time of writing, October 31, 2026. The article does not imply independent verification beyond the information contained in the cited research material.

Sources

• PEOPLE: Nick Jonas Says Former Disney CEO Bob Iger “Was Among the First to Reach Out” When the Jonas Brothers Reunited in 2019
• The Walt Disney Company: Disney Legends Awards Ceremony 2026
• The Walt Disney Company: Disney Legends in Conversation: Jonas Brothers
• D23: Disney Legends in Conversation: Jonas Brothers
• The Walt Disney Company: Robert A. Iger Leadership Profile
• SEC Filing: Disney CEO and Iger Transition Details
• ABC7 New York: Bob Iger Honoured as 2026 PAC NYC Icon of Culture
• PAC NYC Gala Coverage and Performances
• Prudential Center: Jonas Brothers Burning Up Tour All Over Again
• Jonas Brothers Official Website

Featured Image Credit: Nick Jonas / TikTok