Britt Allcroft, creator of "Thomas & Friends," the long-running children's television series about Thomas the Tank Engine, has died at the age of 81, Newsweek reports.
Born in Worthing, England, Allcroft joined the British television industry in the 1970s, eventually gaining the rights to the "Railway Series" of children's books about Thomas the Tank Engine written by the Rev. W. Awdry. She and her husband, also a television producer, formed the Britt Allcroft Company to produce the first series of "Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends" in 1984.
The show aired on television for 27 years, with narration provided by world-famous performers such as Ringo Starr of The Beatles and comedian George Carlin.
Allcroft's death was announced on social media by filmmaker Brannon Carty, who directed a documentary on the Thomas the Tank Engine fan community released in 2023. He wrote: "It is with great sadness that I share with you the passing of Britt Allcroft. The Allcroft-Wright family has asked me to bring this news to the Thomas fandom."
"Mattel is deeply saddened by the news of visionary producer and Thomas & Friends TV show creator Britt Allcroft's passing," The company, which owns the "Thomas & Friends" media franchise, said in a statement.
"Britt's contributions to children's television and Thomas & Friends cannot be understated," the statement continues. "Bringing the Rev. W. Awdry's Railway Series books to television for the first time, Britt introduced the beloved characters of Thomas the Tank Engine and friends to a new global audience and touched millions of children and adults. Mattel is grateful for Britt's legacy and impact and send our sincerest condolences to Britt's family and friends."
Theodore Bunker ✉
Theodore Bunker, a Newsmax writer, has more than a decade covering news, media, and politics.
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