Who is Dave Hollis? Tributes pour in as former Disney exec and motivational author dies at 47

Former Disney executive Dave Hollis, the president of the studio's worldwide distribution, reportedly passed away at his home in Austin on Saturday, February 11. While his family has not yet revealed the cause of his death, it is reported that the 47-year-old had been hospitalized due to heart issues.

Hollis, who is survived by his four kids, became Disney's theatrical distribution chief in 2011. Throughout his tenure, he contributed to massive box-office successes and worked on remakes of animated classics and new animated features.

He then resigned from his position at Disney in 2018 and joined Chic Media as the CEO of the Texas-based production company founded by Hollis' wife at the time, Rachel Hollis.

Hollis also hosted a podcast, Rise Together, which was extremely popular with its audience. Additionally, he was also a published author who wrote 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.

At the moment, not much is being shared by the family about Dave's death. However, the fans, friends, family, and followers are mourning the loss of the Disney Executive as he tragically passed away.

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"Another death, so sad and unexpected": Netizens mourn the loss of Dave Hollis as he passes away untimely aged 47

As word spread about Dave Hollis' unfortunate demise, people began pouring their tributes and condolences to his family. Many left emotional tributes when commenting on Hollis' old Instagram pictures and posts. Check out some of these below:

Social media users mourn the death of Dave Hollis,, who tragically passed away at age 47. (Image via Instagram)

Dave Hollis was 47 years old at the time of his death on February 11, 2023. (Image via Instagram)

Others took to Twitter to share their tributes and feelings:

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Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, and Disney's ex-executive passed away at the age of 47: More details revealed about Dave Hollis

Dave Hollis, the former Chief Director of Disney Film Distribution, led a life in which he helped multiple people build a better life through some of his works. Born on February 14, 1975, in California, Dave attended the local Private School, and later, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communication at Pepperdine University.

He began his career as a publicist, working for Bragman Nyman Cafarelli. Later, he worked for big brands like Fox Broadcasting Company and Twentieth Century Fox, and ultimately, Disney, where he worked on multiple movies like Black Panther, Beauty and the Beast, Avengers, and Star Wars during his tenure.

On the other hand, he also ran a podcast on iTunes, Rise Together. Talking about his personal life, he married celebrated author Rachel Hollis in 2004. The ex-couple, who later divorced in 2020 after 16 years of marriage, have 4 kids together -- Sawyer Hollis, Ford Hollis, Jackson Hollis, and Noah Hollis.

Later, he was also in a relationship with author and YouTuber Heidi Powell.

Having more than 420,000 followers on Instagram, his net worth was $5 million; he earned most of his fortune through the sales of his books, his podcast, and his employment with Disney and Chic Media.