You might think you know Disney’s magic, but behind every unforgettable melody was a mind shaping joy for generations—and now, one of those minds has left us.
Richard M. Sherman, the celebrated songwriter who brought timeless tunes to films like Mary Poppins, passed away at the age of 95 on Saturday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Gluck, and their three children, Gregory, Victoria, and Lynda.
Together with his brother, Robert B. Sherman, Richard earned widespread acclaim, receiving two Academy Awards and three Grammy Awards for their work. Disney CEO Bob Iger called him “the embodiment of what it means to be a Disney Legend,” honoring a career that defined much of the studio’s musical identity.
A funeral service is scheduled for May 31 at Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery in Culver City, California. Colleagues and fans alike have shared tributes—Pixar’s Pete Docter praised Sherman’s “infectious joy for life,” while film historian Leonard Maltin highlighted the Sherman brothers’ optimistic spirit, noting that “their music reflected Richard’s upbeat approach to life.”
Richard Sherman’s remarkable body of work includes scores for classics such as Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
In 2005, the Sherman brothers were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and they were named Disney Legends in 1990, leaving a legacy of melodies that continue to inspire audiences of all ages.
Conclusion
Richard M. Sherman’s music was more than entertainment—it was a source of joy, hope, and wonder that transcended generations.
Through his songs, he shaped the soundtrack of childhoods and brought magic into homes around the world. His legacy as a Disney Legend will live on in every melody that continues to make audiences smile, hum along, and believe in the wonder of imagination.