Former Disney executive Dave Hollis died Saturday night at his home in Austin, Texas. He was the company’s president of worldwide distribution until he quit in 2018. He was 47 years old at the time.
Hollis had recently been hospitalized for problems with her heart, but the exact cause of her death has not been found.
In 2011, Hollis took over as head of Disney’s theatre distribution from Chuck Viane, who was leaving the company. During Hollis’s time at the studio, it had some of its biggest hits at the box office.
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He oversaw titles from Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, and Pixar, as well as live-action remakes of animated classics and new animated films.
Hollis led the company to a lot of success, which makes his decision to leave the company in 2018 even stranger. Hollis was well-liked in the industry and a friendly representative for Disney.
He left the studio (and California) to become CEO of Chic Media, a production company in Texas that his wife, Rachel Hollis, had started. In more recent years, they split up.
Hollis said in a statement at the time of his resignation from the company –
“I can’t count the number of ‘pinch-me’ moments I’ve had in my time at Disney.”
“In a world where so few opportunities could compare, the chance to support my wife and help grow her company was something I couldn’t pass up.”
Hollis was a manager, but he also had his own podcast called Rise Together. He has also written three books: “Get Out of Your Own Way: A Skeptic’s Guide to Growth and Fulfillment,” “Built Through Courage: Face Your Fears to Live the Life You Were Meant for,” and “Here’s to Your Dreams!: A Teatime with Noah Book” for children.
Hollis started the Dave Hollis Giving Fund, which helps kids in foster care and teens who are homeless. He was also a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and worked on the boards of Fandango Labs, Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers, and National Angeles. Hollis is survived by his four kids.
