Iconic Mary Poppins songwriter, Richard Sherman dies aged 95 as tributes pour in

Renowned American musician Richard M Sherman, best known for his work on Mary Poppins, has passed away at the age of 95 due to age-related illness.

Sherman, along with his brother Robert, crafted the songs for the beloved musical as well as other classics like The Jungle Book and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

The 95-year-old has been branded a "class act" and a "gentleman" after the Walt Disney company confirmed his passing on Saturday. His brother Robert had previously passed away in London in 2012 at the age of 86.

The talented duo penned over 150 songs for Disney, contributing to the soundtracks of films such as The Sword And The Stone, The Parent Trap, Bedknobs And Broomsticks, The Aristocrats and The Tigger Movie.

In a heartfelt statement, theatre producer Sir Cameron Anthony Mackintosh said: "The great Richard Sherman wrote instantly infectious, joyous songs to lift the heart.

"His iconic score for Mary Poppins, written with his brother Bob, will be enchanting audiences around the world forever more.

"He was also one of the great gentlemen of showbusiness, always charming, supportive and kind. We will all miss you, Dick you are truly supercalifragilisticexpialidocious."

The catchy song Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious was a creation of the Sherman brothers and was performed by Julie Andrews, who played Poppins, and Dick Van Dyke as the chimney sweep Bert.

George Stiles, who composed additional music for the stage version of Mary Poppins, paid tribute to Sherman on Instagram, stating that he "gave the world a songbook of joy, laughter, love and hope".

He elaborated, stating that the seasoned composer didn't bear any "resentment" towards him and his lyricist partner, Anthony Drewe, and that they "became great friends".

He wrote: "I shall miss this brilliant, beautiful human. Love to all the Sherman family. Rest assured his legacy is as guaranteed as long as individuals sing songs and tell tales. Rest in peace dear Dick x."

The famed Sherman duo earned themselves two Oscars for their work on Walt Disney's 1964 smashing hit Mary Poppins - winning best score and best song for Chim Chim Cher-ee - as well as a Grammy for best-original score written for a film.

American composer Alan Menken, whose compositions are notably featured in Disney's The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Pocahontas, described Sherman as "such a class act, a sweet man and a beautiful songwriter".

He took to Instagram to add: "We were all so blessed to have had him in our lives. All my love and prayers to (his wife) Elizabeth and his family."

Sherman leaves behind his wife, their two kids Gregory and Victoria, plus a daughter from a previous marriage, Lynda.

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