Richard M. Sherman, the legendary songwriter behind Disney classics, passed away at 95 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Gluck, and their children, Gregory, Victoria, and Lynda.
Together with his brother Robert B. Sherman, he formed one of the most iconic songwriting duos in film history. They created unforgettable songs for Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, leaving “an indelible mark on the world of musical cinema.”
Throughout their careers, the Sherman brothers won two Academy Awards and three Grammy Awards. In 1990, they were named Disney Legends, celebrating their enormous influence on the Disney legacy.
Disney CEO Bob Iger described Richard as “the embodiment of what it means to be a Disney Legend,” praising his “creative spirit and uplifting music.” Pixar’s Pete Docter called him a man with an “infectious joy for life,” while film historian Leonard Maltin said his songs reflected “optimism and warmth” that also defined his character.
A funeral service will be held on May 31 at Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery in Culver City, California, as fans worldwide honor the timeless melodies that continue to inspire generations.