Britt Allcroft, the creator of the beloved children’s television series Thomas & Friends, has passed away at the age of 81.
The Context
Allcroft, from Worthing, England, produced several shows for British television during the 1970s before securing the rights to the Rev. W. Awdry’s Railway Series books featuring Thomas the Tank Engine.
After forming the Britt Allcroft Company with her husband, fellow TV producer Angus Wright, she spent four years raising the necessary funding to produce the first 26 episodes of what was then called Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends in 1984.
The show was an instant hit with young audiences and was soon broadcast around the world, including in the U.S. as part of the live-action children’s show Shining Time Station.
Allcroft’s work not only introduced generations of children to the iconic character of Thomas the Tank Engine but also shaped the landscape of children’s programming for nearly three decades. The series became a global cultural phenomenon that continues to resonate with audiences today.
Allcroft’s innovative vision turned Thomas & Friends into a groundbreaking show, featuring intricate model trains and narration by actors such as Ringo Starr and George Carlin. The series ran for 27 years, inspiring spinoffs, merchandise, and movies that cemented its place in entertainment history.
Newsweek has reached out to The Britt Allcroft Company for comment via email.
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What To Know
Allcroft’s death was announced by filmmaker Brannon Carty on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Carty wrote, “It is with great sadness that I share with you the passing of Britt Allcroft. The Allcroft-Wright family has asked me to bring this news to the Thomas fandom.”
Carty, who knew Allcroft from the 2023 documentary he directed An Unlikely Fandom: The Impact of Thomas the Tank Engine, added that the family is in mourning and has requested privacy during this time. Newsweek has reached out to Carty for further comment.
What People Are Saying
Brannon Carty, filmmaker, posted on X on January 3: “Britt was an adoring mother and wife. A visionary producer. She brought so much joy and happiness to people everywhere during her time on Earth.
“I think I can speak for the entirety of the fandom when I say that all of us will deeply miss her. Without her, so many of us would never have met.
“While I am devastated by her passing, we can all find comfort in the certainty that her legacy will endure forever through Thomas and his fans around the world.”
Mattel, which owns the Thomas & Friends media franchise, said in a statement provided to Newsweek: “Mattel is deeply saddened by the news of visionary producer and Thomas & Friends TV show creator Britt Allcroft’s passing. Britt’s contributions to children’s television and Thomas & Friends cannot be understated.
“Bringing the Rev. W. Awdry’s Railway Series books to television for the first time, Britt introduced the beloved characters of Thomas the Tank Engine and friends to a new global audience and touched millions of children and adults. Mattel is grateful for Britt’s legacy and impact and send our sincerest condolences to Britt’s family and friends.”
What Happens Next
While specific memorial plans have not been disclosed, a full obituary will be published in the Times of London on Friday.
Update 01/03/25, 05:15 a.m. ET: This story was updated to include a statement from Mattel.