Mary Poppins and It’s a Small World songwriter passed away due to ‘age-related illness’

• Songwriter collaborated with brother Robert B. Sherman on various Disney films
• Disney announced star died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in LA on Saturday 
• Richard received numerous accolades over the years, including two Oscars  

Richard M. Sherman – known for penning songs for films such as Mary Poppins – passed away at the age of 95 on Saturday. 

The songwriter – who notably collaborated with his brother Robert B. Sherman over the years – died due to an ‘age-related illness’ in Los Angeles at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Disney announced. 

A funeral is set to take place later this month on Friday, May 31 at the Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery located in Culver City, California. 

Richard is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Gluck, whom he tied the knot with in 1957. The two welcomed two children: Gregory and Victoria. He also shared another child, Lynda, from a previous marriage to Corrine Newman. 

During the course of his long-lasting career, Sherman received numerous accolades, including two Oscars and three Grammy Awards. 

CEO of The Walt Disney Company, Bib Iger, expressed in a statement, ‘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.’ 

‘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.’ 

Iger continued, ‘We are forever grateful for the mark Richard left on the world, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family.’ 

Chief Creative Officer at Pixar Animation Studios, Pete Docter, also stated, ‘You don’t get songs like “Spoonful Of Sugar” without a genuine love of life, which Richard passed on to everyone lucky enough to be around him.’ 

‘Even in his 90s he had more energy and enthusiasm than anyone, and I always left renewed by Richard’s infectious joy for life.’ 

Film historian, Leonard Maltin, also had a few words to share upon learning of Richard’s passing in a statement, per Disney. ‘The Sherman brothers were professional optimists who found a perfect patron in Walt Disney.’ 

‘Their songs had an upbeat outlook that spilled over into Richard’s life, which was not without its troubles and challenges.’ 

Richard was born in New York City on June 12, 1928 – and both he and his brother, Robert, eventually followed in their father’s footsteps, who was also a songwriter. 

In 1937, Richard’s family moved to Beverly Hills and he later attended Beverly Hills High School where he studied various instruments, such as the piano and flute. 

Upon graduating in 1946, the star notably performed during the ceremony with fellow classmate Andre Previn – who went on to win four Oscars, including Best Score for My Fair Lady. 

In 1953, Richard was drafted into the U.S. Army and was part of the Army Band until 1955. 

He also attended Bard College in the state of New York where he majored in music. Not long after graduation, Richard began writing songs with his brother, Robert. 

In 1958, the duo founded their own music publishing company called the Music World Corporation. 

That same year, Richard and Robert began to gain recognition with their song, Tall Paul, which was sung by Annette Funicello and leapt to the top ten chart at the time. 

The Sherman brothers were soon noticed by Walt Disney – who eventually hired the pair to be songwriters for the Walt Disney Company. 

During this time, the two penned the iconic track, It’s A Small World (After All) which was shown at the New York World Fair in 1964. 

Also in 1964, Mary Poppins starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke premiered in theaters, with the brothers writing songs for the successful film. 

The following year at the Academy Awards, the Sherman brothers won an Oscar for Best Score as well as Best Original Song for Chim Chim Cher-ee.