Johnny Depp Honored as a Disney Legend at D23 Expo

In a surprise appearance at Disney's D23 Expo, Johnny Depp was announced as a Disney "legend."

Disney chairmen, Bob Iger, introduced the "Pirates of the Caribbean" star to a room full of buzzing fans. "One more, there's nothing D23 fans like more than a surprise," which was then followed by a video highlight reel of Johnny Depp, and his career and the various roles had played within the Walt Disney Company, according to PEOPLE Magazine.

Iger then announced Depp's official inductance into the Disney family. "I'm thrilled to call Johnny a member of the Disney family, and today, Johnny Depp becomes a Disney Legend." The Golden Globe winner joined the chairman on stage to collect his 2-pound trophy.

Depp has starred in a number of Disney movies including the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise and "Alice in Wonderland."

According to PEOPLE, a mere "Hi" from the A-lister was met with squeals from the crowd, evoking a candid yet amusing answer from Johnny. "That's what I did when I woke up this morning. I screamed at the top of my lungs."

The Kentucky native then turned to the topic of his recent honor, admitting "So, I don't know why I'm here, I really don't. It's an absolute honor to be here." He continued in a Captain Jack Sparrow-like manner, "And in all honesty, the only reason I suppose I am here ..." then trailing of once he became distracted by a bug, to which he pointed out to the audience. Proceeded by asking the jubilant crowd if they had seen C-3PO and R-2D2. ""Did you see a guy all dressed in gold and like a little machine? Cool."

Before thanking Disney for the esteemed award, Depp addressed the issue he has with calling his admirers "fans." "There's a word that's used and it's a word called 'fan,' and I never really liked that word, I don't know, because it implies that someone is above and someone is beneath in a weird way. So I'd rather say you are, in fact, my employer."

What an honor for his "fans" to receive from the critically acclaimed film star. "Thank you for giving me this great opportunity to basically do stupid stuff for a living, and for watching." He then added, "I will treasure it and hopefully get to meet Mickey Mouse."

The 52-year old actor was honored along with "Star Wars" director George Lucas, "All My Children" actress Susan Lucci, composer Danny Elfmann, and four others.