Disney legend Richard M. Sherman has passed away

It is with great sadness that we report that Disney legend Richard M. Sherman has passed away from an age-related illness.

Some of the Sherman Brothers’ best-known songs have been incorporated into live-action and animated musical films, including Mary Poppins, The happiest millionaire, The sword from the rock, The Jungle Book, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Snoopy Come home, Bed knobs and broomsticks, The Slipper and the Roseand Charlotte’s Web.

Their best-known work, however, remains “It’s a Small World (After All)”, written for the theme park attraction of the same name. Conformable Timemay be the most performed song (in public) in history.

In 2015, a television special recounting his life, Richard M. Sherman: Songs of a Lifetime, produced by Disney Legend Don Hahn, debuted on PBS SoCal. Also in 2015, for the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, Richard contributed the song “A Kiss Goodnight”, which was tied into his 2017 book of the same title from Disney Editions. For Walt Disney Studios, Richard wrote new lyrics for the live action The Jungle Book (2016) and two years later appeared in Christopher Robinfor which he composed three new pieces.

Most recently, Richard wrote a new song (with composer Fabrizio Mancinelli) for Disney legend Andreas Deja’s 2023 animated short Mushka. The song, titled “Mushka’s Lullabye,” was sung by acclaimed soprano Holly Sedillos.

In 2023, Walt Disney Animation Studios revisited its 100-year history in short film Once Upon a Studio. Richard returned to Walt’s office—the same place where he and Robert often performed “Feed the Birds” for Walt on Friday afternoons—to play the piano in a keyboard sequence.

Richard is survived by his wife of 66 years, Elizabeth; son Gregory and grandsons William and Matthew; daughter Victoria Wolf, son-in-law Doug Wolf and grandchildren Mandy and Anthony. He is survived by his daughter from a previous marriage, Lynda Rothstein, as well as his two children and three grandchildren. A private burial is scheduled for Friday, May 31 at Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary in Los Angeles. Plans for a celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

About the author of the post

Skyler Shuler

In 2013, Skyler Shuler wanted to share her knowledge of Disney movies and the magic behind the scenes. So he created the Disney Film Facts Instagram account and the page quickly gained followers. Shortly after a Twitter was created and not long after that DisneyFilmFacts.com was born. The page has been lucky enough to gather a wonderful following of such Disney fans and amazing movies, as well as being featured on some of the biggest entertainment sites in the world. In 2018, the page was renamed The DisInsider and the rest was history!