Who was Dave Hollis? The Disney Distribution Exec and motivational author dies at 47

Dave Hollis, Disney’s former president of worldwide distribution and a motivational author, has passed away at the age of 47.

A representative for the family said that Hollis passed away peacefully on Saturday night at his home outside Austin, Texas.

Cause of Dave Hollis’ death still unknown

Hollis was recently hospitalized for heart-related health issues, but no cause of death has been determined.

“We are devastated,” his ex-wife Rachel Hollis wrote on Instagram. “I have no words and my heart is too broken to find them. Please wrap the kids in prayers as we try and navigate through the unthinkable.”

Hollis and his work at Disney

Hollis led theatrical distribution at Disney from 2011 to 2018, taking over from the retiring Chuck Viane, during what proved to be a time of box office success for the company.

He played a key role in the relaunch of the Star Wars franchise, as well as the Avengers series, frozen and the 2018 film ‘Black Panther’.

In 2016, his department helped Disney become the first studio to cross the $7 billion at the global box office.

He surprised many when he stepped down in 2018 to run his then-wife’s company, Chic Media. Rachel Hollis is an author, motivational speaker and social influencer, and they, along with their family, relocated to Texas.

“I can’t count the number of ‘pinch-me’ moments I’ve had in my time at Disney,” Hollis said in 2018 when he stepped down from the studio. “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.”

Before he ran distribution, Hollis led Disney’s Cinema Partnerships initiative, working with exhibitors on improving the theatergoing experience for customers by customizing content and offerings.

Hollis’ other projects

Hollis also hosted his own podcast, ‘Rise Together’, and is also a published author who has written two self-help books, ‘Get Out of Your Own Way: A Skeptic’s Guide to Growth and Fulfillment’ and ‘Built Through Courage: Face Your Fears to Live the Life You Were Meant for’.

He also wrote a children’s book, ‘Here’s to Your Dreams: A Teatime with Noah Book’. Hollis was also a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and also founded the Dave Hollis Giving Fund, which provides support for children in foster care and homeless teenagers.

Hollis is survived by his three sons, Jackson, Sawyer and Ford, as well as daughter Noah.