‘Thomas & Friends’ Producer Was 81

Brett Allcroft, the producer who adapted Thomas the tank engine and friends For TV, Matt. She was 81 years old.

Holcroft's daughter, Holly Wright, died on Wednesday, December 25, in Los Angeles, the New York Times reported.

Allcroft was responsible for bringing Rev. Wilbert Awdry's books Railway series For British television in 1984 as a children's program narrated by Ringo Starr. The series ran for 24 seasons until 2021, before the animated series Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go debuted on Netflix. The show has also spawned numerous specials and films, as well as popular toys and merchandise.

In 1979, Allcroft met Audrey while filming a documentary about British steam engines. After falling in love with the characters, she brought the book to her then-husband, television producer Angus Wright.

Allcroft wrote and directed the 2000 film adaptation of Thomas and the Magic Railroad, which premiered in theaters with a star cast that included Mara Wilson, Alec Baldwin and Peter Fonda.

The franchise's long-term success was the subject of a documentary directed by Brannon Carty last year An unlikely fan base. Carti announced her death in a statement on Channel X, remembering her as a “loving mother and wife,” as well as a “visionary producer.”

“Over the years we've known Britt, we've developed a close relationship. It's been a true honor to have her as both a mentor and friend, and I'm so happy that so many fans were able to meet her at the New York screening of the film.” An unlikely fan base“, he wrote. “It was an absolute honor to have her in our documentary, and she has remained a strong supporter of our cause ever since.

“I think I can speak for the entire fanbase when I say we will all miss her terribly. “Without her, many of us would never have gotten together,” Carty added.

Allcroft also adapted the 1994 series Mamfi's Magical Adventures Written by Catherine Tozer.