Disney Distribution President Dave Hollis Has Died at 47

According to a family representative Dave Hollis, an executive of the Walt Disney Company who formerly served as its President of Worldwide Distribution, has died at the age of 47 following a recent hospitalization for a heart condition.

As stated in The Hollywood Reporter, Hollis served as a lead figure for Disney’s theatrical distribution division during a seven-year period of great financial success and critical acclaim. In addition to his career as a leading Disney executive from 2011 to 2018, Hollis was also a published author, fitness enthusiast, and motivational speaker, hosting his own podcast, Rise Together, following his departure from the movie studio mogul.

Credit: Disney

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For example, Hollis authored two semi-autobiographical books regarding his struggles with alcohol and his marriage with his former wife, Rachel Hollis, who is also a motivational author, business owner, and social media influencer. In fact, Hollis’ wife was a huge motivating factor in his leaving The Walt Disney Studios, after which he relocated to Texas with his four children and Rachel, helping to manage his wife’s company up until they divorced.

First, Hollis published Get Out of Your Own Way in 2020, followed by Built Through Courage: Face Your Fears to Live the Life You Were Meant For, in which Hollis allegedly “owned the truth of his experience” while offering readers self-help advice, a practice he said he found “unbelievably liberating.” Additionally, his children’s book Here’s to Your Dreams, also recently debuted.

Credit: Disney Plus

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Before this, the former Disney head oversaw some of the Studios’ biggest releases, including Frozen (2012), the Avengers series, including now famous Marvel movies like 2018’s Black Panther, and played a pivotal role in Disney’s relaunching of George Lucas’ Star Wars franchise with an all-new trilogy of films. Moreover, following his relocation and new career path, Hollis became involved with Get Fit, actively participating in the online fitness/transformation community alongside partner Heidi Powell.

Unfortunately, Hollis still ended up in the hospital, suffering from heart problems at the time of his passing, although the family has not provided an official cause of death yet. Furthermore, despite his recent health struggles, a representative for the Hollis family told The Hollywood Reporter that he died peacefully at home just outside of Austin, Texas.

Credit: The Hollywood Reporter

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The former Disney president is survived by three sons, Jackson, Sawyer, and Ford, and his daughter Noah. From everyone at Disney Dining, we offer our sincerest condolences and commemorate his legacy and contributions to Disney’s success.