Roger Allers, an animator and director who has been nominated for an Oscar and a Tony, whose creations can be found throughout theDisney renaissance, has passed away following a short illness. Initially reported by TMZ, a Disney spokesperson statedThe Hollywood Reporterthat Allers passed away unexpectedly at his residence in Santa Monica. He was 76 years old.
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Allers’ most significant impact on the animation world was co-directingThe Lion King with Rob Minkoff. The movie earned $979 million in 1994, becoming the top-earning film of that year. “Roger Allers was a creative visionary whose numerous contributions to Disney will endure for many generations,” said Disney CEO Bob Iger in a statement. “He recognized the strength of compelling storytelling — how memorable characters, emotions, and music can unite to produce something lasting. His work helped shape a period of animation that still motivates audiences globally, and we are profoundly thankful for all he gave to Disney. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues.”
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Born in 1949, Allers saw Peter Pan at age 5, permanently changing the direction of his life. A few years later, he ordered a homemade animation kit. However, following Walt Disney’s passing, he gave up on his dream.
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Allers met his wife Leslee Hackenson in a cave in Greece during the 1970s. The couple relocated to Boston, where Allers attended a Harvard animation class and rediscovered his love for animation. He started working in the animation industry at Lisberger Studios and later at Nelvana.
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In 1985, Allers began working at Disney as a storyboard artist forOliver and Company. He’d work on The Little Mermaid, The Rescuers Down Underand led the story team forBeauty and the Beast. He was on The Lion King project since its original idea as a nature film without music calledKing of the Savanna. The Lion Kingbecame the peak moment for whatthen-CEO Michael Eisnercalled “The Disney Decade.” Allers also adaptedThe Lion King for the theater, and received a Tony nomination for his efforts.
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After The Lion King, Allers started working on Kingdom of the Sun, which would eventually become The Emperor’s New Groove after an arduous development process. Allers was a story artist onLilo & Stitch. He departed from Disney in 2003, to pursue other opportunitiesOpen Season for Sony. In 2014, he helmed a version of Kahlil Gibran’sThe Prophet.
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Occasionally, life brings someone into our lives who helps us gain a clearer perspective. Roger was that individual for me, and for many others who collaborated with him,Lion King Producer Don Hahn stated, “He was an exceptional individual: constantly curious, full of humor, and profoundly human, always ready to share stories that reminded us of the magic in life. He continues through his creations, and in the hearts of everyone who was fortunate to know him.”
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