Thomas the Tank Engine Creator Britt Allcroft Dies

Britt Allcroft, the esteemed producer behind the beloved children's series Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends, has passed away at the age of 81. Her family announced her death, highlighting her legacy as a visionary producer who brought joy to countless fans worldwide. Allcroft began her career in British television and successfully secured the rights to adapt Reverend Wilbert Awdry's Railway Series books into the iconic TV show, which first aired in 1984. The series, featuring narration by Ringo Starr, became a cultural phenomenon, running for 37 years and spawning numerous spin-offs. Filmmaker Brannon Carty, who knew Allcroft from the documentary An Unlikely Fandom, shared heartfelt tributes reflecting her impact on fans and her dedication as a mother and wife. In her honor, her family has requested charitable donations to local chapters of the ASPCA.