Mary Poppins and ‘It’s a Small World’ Songwriter Robert Sherman Dies at 86

Oscar and Grammy Award-winning composer Robert Sherman passed away on March 5 in London at the age of 86. His death was announced by his son Jeff via Facebook. 

Along with his brother Richard, Robert Sherman wrote some of Disney’s best known songs such as “It’s a Small World (After All)” as well as music for the films Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, The Aristocats, The Parent Trap, The Slipper and the Rose and Charlotte’s Web.

For their work on Mary Poppins the Sherman brothers won two Academy Awards (including Best Original Song for "Chim Chim Cher-ee") and a Grammy Award. Sherman also earned nine Academy Award nominations, four Grammy Award nominations, five Golden Globe nominations and 23 gold and platinum albums. He also received a Tony nomination in 1974 for Over Here! and an Olivier Award nomination in 2002 for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The two brothers were honored with a star on the Hollwood Walk of Fame in 1976.

Outside of songwriting, Sherman was a metal sculptor, poet, and short story author. He served in World War II and was awarded the Purple Heart medal.

Sherman is survived by his four children and several grandchildren. His wife Joyce passed away in 2001. His music is currently represented on Broadway with the stage adaptation of Mary Poppins. The New Amsterdam Theatre (where Mary Poppins currently runs) will dim its lights in honor of Sherman at 7:01PM. The Minskoff Theatre and Nederlander Theatre (which house Disney musicals The Lion King and Newsies, respectively) are also set to dim their marquees.