Disney’s former chief of Distribution Dave Hollis has passed away after recently being hospitalized for heart-related issues, however, no cause of death has been confirmed as of yet, Variety reports.
Hollis’ tenure with Disney lasted from 2011 to 2018, taking over the role from Chuck Viane. He oversaw the theatrical distribution of some of the biggest box office successes the world has ever seen. During his time with the company, twelve of the releases he oversaw cleared $1 billion at the box office, with Star Wars: The Force Awakens crossing $2 billion.
He departed Disney to become the CEO of the production company Chic Media, founded by his now ex-wife, Rachel Hollis. At the time of his departure, he was succeeded by Cathleen Taff, who absorbed his role into the position of EVP of Theatrical Distribution, Franchise Management, and Business & Audience Insights.
Hollis was the author of two self-help books, Get Out of Your Own Way, and Built Through Courage. Another pastime of Hollis’ was hosting a podcast called Rise Together, in which he had conversations with authors and activists, based on the premise of working as hard to understand someone else’s truth as sharing one’s own.
Per his website, Hollis’ purpose in life was to “encourage people to step toward their calling while equipping them with the tools to lead an exceptional life.” He is survived by his four children and was a four-time foster father, having also started the Dave Hollis Giving Fund to support children who are in foster care. Hollis also penned a children’s picture book titled Here’s to Your Dreams!: A Teatime with Noah Book.
