Britt Allcroft, creator of the British children’s series “Thomas the Tank Engine,” has died. She was 81 years old.
Filmmaker Brannon Carty, who directed a 2023 documentary about the series, announced Allcroft’s death in a post on Twitter on Friday. No cause of death was reported.
“The Allcroft-Wright family have asked us to share this news with Thomas’ fans. The full obituary will be published in the Times of London later today. The family is currently in mourning. We ask that our privacy be respected at this time,” Carty wrote. “Britt was a loving mother and wife. A visionary producer. During her time on Earth, she brought so much joy and happiness to people around the world.”
It is with great sadness that we share with you the passing of Britt Allcroft.
The Allcroft-Wright family asked us to share this news with Thomas’ fans. The full obituary will be published in the London Times later today. The family is currently in mourning and we ask the following: pic.twitter.com/LSFq8VL7jK
— carty™ (@cartycinema) January 3, 2025
Allcroft is remembered as a beloved creator of children’s media and a caring person to his friends and family.
“While getting to know Britt over the years, we developed a close connection. It was a true privilege to have her as a mentor and friend,” Carty wrote.
A storyteller, Allcroft began his career at the age of 21 writing for the 1967 children’s quiz show Get It-Got It-Good.
Kawanehoncho, Japan – December 14th: Walking near Thomas the Tank Engine on the Senzu Station platform during a preview of the Christmas event “Day out with Thomas 2018” held on December 14th, 2018 in Kawanehoncho, Shizuoka Prefecture. employee. “Thomas the Tank Engine” and “James the Red Engine” lookalikes copyrighted in 2018 (Photo: Tomohiro Osumi/Getty Images)
The reporter’s masterpiece came in 1984 when he launched the children’s series Thomas and Friends, based on the British book series The Railway Series written by the Reverend Wilbert Audley and his son Christopher. Ta.
Allcroft’s series follows the adventures of Thomas, an anthropomorphic steam locomotive, and his similarly shaped friends. Thomas and his friends are frequently chastised by the Fat Controller, an obese railway operator who is often blamed for causing “chaos and delays”.
“Thomas the Tank Engine” was nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Animated Film in 1985 and featured guest narration by Beatles drummer Ringo Starr and comedian George Carlin. (Related: Wayne Osmond dies at age 73)
The series began airing in the United States in 1989 and ended in 2021. The series remains one of the most widely acclaimed children’s shows to this day.
Brent Baum, Britt Allcroft and Barry London attend the Destination Films premiere of Thomas and the Magic Railway held in Los Angeles, California, USA. (Photo by: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc) Getty Images
“I think I speak for the entire fandom when I say that we will all miss her deeply,” the obituary reads. “Without her, many of us would never have met. As a way to honor Britt’s legacy, her family has decided to make a charitable donation in Britt’s name to the local chapter of the ASPCA. I was asked to consider it.”
“While I am devastated by her death, we can all take solace in the knowledge that her legacy will live on forever through Thomas and his fans around the world. Rest in Peace.” Carty concluded.
Britt Allcroft has two children.
