Richard M. Sherman, Disney Songwriter, Dies at 95

Richard M. Sherman, the celebrated songwriter behind some of Disney’s most iconic film music, died Saturday at the age of 95 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Gluck, and their children, Gregory, Victoria, and Lynda.

Sherman, along with his brother Robert B. Sherman, formed one of the most successful songwriting duos in film history. Together, they created unforgettable scores for classics such as Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Their work earned them two Academy Awards, three Grammy Awards, and lasting recognition across generations.

The Sherman brothers were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005 and were named Disney Legends in 1990. Their music, marked by optimism and warmth, became a cornerstone of Disney’s golden age of storytelling.

Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger honored Sherman’s legacy, calling him “the embodiment of what it means to be a Disney Legend.” Pixar’s Pete Docter also paid tribute, remembering Sherman for his “infectious joy for life.” Film historian Leonard Maltin noted the duo’s positive outlook, saying, “Their music had an upbeat outlook that spilled over into Richard’s life.”

A funeral service for Sherman will be held on May 31 at Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery in Culver City, California.

Through his melodies and lyrics, Richard M. Sherman left an indelible mark on film, music, and countless childhoods—his legacy forever woven into the magic of Disney.