Dave Hollis, an author and ex-husband of writer Rachel Hollis who used to work for Disney, has died at age 47.
In a statement to CBS News, Hollis’ literary agent, Kevan Lyon, said that Hollis had died over the weekend. No cause of death was given right away. Lyon said –
“I had the great honor of working with him on several books, including his most recent release with his daughter Noah.”
“My thoughts are with his children and his family now in this very difficult and devastating time.”
Rachel Hollis, who had four kids with Dave Hollis, wrote an Instagram post about his death. She wrote –
“We are so devastated.”
“I have no words and my heart is too broken to find them. Please wrap the kids in prayer as we try and navigate through the unthinkable.”
Variety reported on Monday that he had recently been taken to the hospital because of heart problems. According to his website, Hollis used to be president of sales for the film studio at The Walt Disney Company.
After his wife’s blog and 2018 book “Girl, Wash Your Face” became very popular, he left Disney after 17 years and became CEO of The Hollis Company, which made media content, books, and events. He told The Associated Press in September 2018 –
“I finally one day said, ‘Fine, I don’t trust it. I think that there’s some snake oil in this personal development space but it’s worked for you. I have to at least see what it’s about.'”
Together, the couple put on popular seminars on how to improve yourself.
If you’re interested in reading more about the deaths of celebrities this year, we have covered many others:
- How Did “NYPD Blue” Actor Austin Majors Die at Young Age of 27?
- James Flynn Producer of “the Banshees of Inisherin” and “Vikings” Died at Age 57.
After he and Rachel Hollis filed for divorce in 2020, he continued to work as a life coach and run a similar business. He wrote books like “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” and hosted the “Rise Together” podcast.
The most recent episode of the interview podcast that focuses on health came out on Feb. 9. Hollis also started the Dave Hollis Giving Fund, which helps children in foster care, homeless teens, and people who don’t have enough food to eat. According to his website, he was a foster parent four times.
He was also on the board of the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences’ membership committee and a member of the Academy. He was on the boards of Fandango Labs, Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers, National Angels, and the school where he went to school, Pepperdine’s Institute for Entertainment Media and Culture.
Mel Robbins, who is also a motivational speaker, wrote about Hollis after he died. She and her husband, Chris, loved him like a brother, she said. She wrote –
“You made me laugh harder than anyone I’ve ever met. We could talk about anything, and to anyone, for hours and hours. And we did. Everywhere we went there was laughter.”
