Britt Allcroft, who brought the beloved Thomas the Tank Engine to television screens worldwide, has died at age 81. Her passing was announced on January 3, 2024, by filmmaker Brannon Carty.
As the creative force behind "Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends," Allcroft transformed Rev. W. Awdry's Railway Series books into a groundbreaking children's television show that launched in 1984. The series featured innovative model trains and memorable narration by Ringo Starr and George Carlin.
Born in Worthing, England in 1943, Allcroft began her career producing various shows for British television in the 1970s. After discovering Awdry's books while making a documentary about the Bluebell Railway, she secured the rights to adapt the stories for television.
Together with her husband and fellow producer Angus Wright, Allcroft spent four years raising funds to create the first 26 episodes. The show became an immediate success, eventually running for 27 years and spawning numerous spinoffs, including the American series "Shining Time Station."
"She brought so much joy and happiness to people everywhere during her time on Earth," Carty shared in his announcement. The Allcroft-Wright family has requested privacy during this time of mourning.
Mattel, current owner of the Thomas & Friends franchise, released a statement praising Allcroft's "contributions to children's television" and noting how she "touched millions of children and adults" through her work.
A full obituary is scheduled to appear in the Times of London on Friday.