The former Disney distribution chief turned self-help author and lifestyle influencer Dave Hollis died on Saturday, Feb. 11, at age 47. The cause of his death has not been revealed yet, but Hollis’ family said in a statement he died peacefully at home in Austin after being hospitalized for cardiac problems recently.
His career rose to prominence when he became Disney’s theatrical distribution head in 2011, overseeing Marvel Studios’ Avengers and Star Wars, as well as the hit animated film Frozen.
Disney became the first studio ever to surpass $7 billion in global box office grosses in a single year under Hollis’ direction.
Although Hollis has had success in the corporate world, he is best known for launching the career of his estranged wife, Rachel Hollis, an author and lifestyle influencer.
He left Disney in 2018 to move to Austin with Rachel when she launched her empire following her viral fame and success with Girl, Wash Your Face, her first book. After it became a bestseller, the Hollises produced conferences (many for multi-level marketing companies), podcasts and other media devoted to their message of what is now largely considered toxic positivity through The Hollis Company.
In 2019, The New York Times reported that their brand had become a multi-million dollar operation. In the same year, Dave Hollis left The Hollis Company. In 2020, Dave Hollis and Rachel Hollis announced their separation on Instagram.
