Britt Allcroft, visionary behind Thomas & Friends, dies at 81

Britt Allcroft, the creator who brought the Railway Series books to life with Thomas & Friends, has passed away at the age of 81.

Allcroft’s death was first announced by filmmaker Brannon Carty on the social media platform X. “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”, he wrote.

He added, “Britt was a devoted mother and wife, a visionary producer. She brought immense joy and happiness to people everywhere during her life.”

Carty further expressed, “Her legacy will live on forever through Thomas and his fans worldwide.”

Together with her husband, Angus Wright, Allcroft founded the Britt Allcroft Company and spent years securing funding for the first 26 episodes of what would become Thomas & Friends.

Premiering in 1984, the show quickly gained popularity and captivated young audiences around the world. It aired in the U.S. through Shining Time Station, featuring narrators such as Ringo Starr and George Carlin.

The series continued for 27 years, inspiring numerous spin-offs, films, and a massive merchandise empire, firmly establishing Thomas as a beloved character in households globally.

A complete obituary will be published later while the Allcroft-Wright family has requested privacy during this time of loss.