Disney Songwriter Richard M. Sherman Dead at 95: 'Incredible Legacy of Music'

The Walt Disney Company revealed that the Disney legend died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills on Saturday, May 25, "due to age-related illness"

• Disney songwriter Richard M. Sherman died of an age-related illness at 95 on Saturday, May 25

• Richard was best known for being part of the Sherman Brothers with his late brother Robert B. Sherman

• Richard is survived by his wife Elizabeth of 66 years, three children, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren

Disney songwriter Richard M. Sherman has died at 95.

On Saturday, May 25, the Walt Disney Company revealed on its website that Richard had passed away at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills that day “due to age-related illness.”

“Richard Sherman was the embodiment of what it means to be a Disney Legend, creating along with his brother Robert the beloved classics that have become a cherished part of the soundtrack of our lives,” CEO of The Walt Disney Company, Bob Iger, said in a statement. “From films like Mary Poppins and The Jungle Book to attractions like 'it’s a small world,' the music of the Sherman Brothers has captured the hearts of generations of audiences. We are forever grateful for the mark Richard left on the world, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family.”

Richard was best known for being a member of the songwriting team, the Sherman Brothers, with his late brother Robert B. Sherman, who died at 86 in 2012.

According to Variety, the duo worked on songs for movies such as 1968’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and 1964’s Mary Poppins.

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The pair worked as in-house songwriters for Disney, a role that no longer exists, according to Variety. This came after the success of their 1958 single “Tall Paul” for the original Mickey Mouse Club’s Annette Funicello, a Mouseketeer on the show.

Meanwhile, the 60s saw the pair write hits for the Mary Poppins movie which included “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” “A Spoonful of Sugar” and “Feed the Birds.” This earned the Sherman Brothers two Oscars: for music score and best original song, thanks to “Chim Chim Cher-ee.”

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"Richard garnered nine Academy Award nominations (winning two Oscars® for his work on the 1964 classic Mary Poppins), won three GRAMMY® Awards, and received 24 gold and platinum albums over the course of his 65-year career,” the Walt Disney Company's release further noted.

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According to Variety, the Sherman Brothers’ career saw the pair achieve 23 gold and platinum albums. As a result of their successes, former President George W. Bush awarded them the National Medal of Arts in 2008.

The Boys: The Sherman Brothers’ Story documentary was released by Disney in 2009, which came alongside The Sherman Brothers Songbook CD, featuring 42 years of their Disney work.

Richard also made a cameo in the live animated crossover Once Upon a Studio in 2023, celebrating 100 years of the Walt Disney Company.

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Disney Legend Richard Sherman," Disney wrote alongside a video of Richard playing the piano in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter). "Your songs are the soundtrack to so many of our memories, including the iconic 'Feed the Birds.' Thank you for filling the world with your joy and for the incredible legacy of music you created."

The Disney legend is survived by his wife Elizabeth, whom he was married to for 66 years, as well as his son Gregory, daughter Victoria Wolf and daughter Lynda Rothstein from his previous marriage.

He is also survived by his six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

"A private funeral is scheduled to take place Friday, May 31, at Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary in Los Angeles,” the release continued. “Plans for a celebration of life will be announced at a later date."

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