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Roger Allers, the director who helped create the Disney classic The Lion King, is said to have passed away at 76.
The loss was disclosed by producer Dave Bossert, who shared on Sunday that Allers “moved on to his next journey” in a heartfelt message.
The reason for death remained undisclosed.
Bossert described Allers, whose filmography includes popular movies like Aladdin, TheLittle Mermaidand Watership Down – as a “true cornerstone of the Disney Animation renaissance.”
The tribute did not specify the exact time of Allers’ death, but Bossert mentioned he had been in touch with the filmmaker “this past week.”
“I am profoundly distressed by the news that our friend Roger Allers has moved on to his next phase,” Bossert wrote.
We had been exchanging emails this past week while he was on the roadEgypt, which makes this loss feel even more surreal. Roger was an exceptionally talented artist and filmmaker, a genuine cornerstone of the Disney Animation renaissance. He started at Disney working on pre-production concepts for Tron.
He later worked as a story artist on Oliver & Company and The Little Mermaid, along with other movies, and eventually took on the role of head of story for Beauty and the Beast.
I was fortunate to be a member of the team with Roger on numerous films during the late ’80s and into the ’90s, and he was undoubtedly one of the most kind-hearted individuals you could ever wish to meet and collaborate with.
He went on to co-direct The Lion King, which became an extraordinary success, but it never affected his humility. Roger showed true kindness and respect to everyone, no matter their rank or role. I collaborated closely with him on The Little Matchgirl, and it was a delightful experience—he brought a feeling of wonder, generosity, and excitement that inspired those around him.
Roger possessed a cheerful and radiant personality, and the world feels less bright without him. May you rest in peace, my friend. Until we reunite on the other side. I am shown with Roger in 2016 at an Academy function. I always appreciated his vibrant sports jackets.
An accomplished animator and screenwriter, Aller’s work includes some of the most cherished Disney movies.
His IMDb profile features appearances in Tron, The Prince and the Pauper, Ice Age, Kung Fu Panda, The Emperor’s New Groove, and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.
In addition, he worked as a storyboard artist for the movie featuring a profane teddy bear named Ted.
His colleagues and supporters expressed their grief on the internet.
Animation Magazine states that Disney producer Don Hahn wrote: “Feeling disturbed and sorrowful to announce that our beloved friend and creative partner Roger Allers has passed away—a remarkable artist, a man who lived intensely and selflessly, and someone I cherished deeply; along with everyone who knew and collaborated with him. Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and let his spirit continue to live within you.”
Animator Dave Woodman shared on Instagram: ‘We have all been touched by his incredible art and personality. Roger Allers was one of my most cherished friends. It’s deeply upsetting to learn he has passed away.’
Disney CEO Bob Iger commended Allers as a significant ‘creative visionary’ in a statement celebrating the late animator.
Roger Allers was a talented innovator whose numerous achievements at Disney will continue to inspire for many years. He recognized the impact of compelling narratives — how memorable characters, feelings, and music can combine to produce something enduring.
His contributions shaped a period of animation that still influences viewers globally, and we are sincerely thankful for all he offered to Disney. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues.
Fans of The Lion King expressed their grief on Reddit, with one user referring to him as the ‘director of the greatest animated film ever created.’
“RIP Roger Allers, thanks for bringing us The Lion King,” another user wrote.
Allers was born in Rye, New York but spent his childhood in the city of Glendale in Arizona.
The renowned actor’s initial fascination with the realm of animation began when he was only five years old, after viewing the 1953 Disney film Peter Pan.
He earned a Fine Arts degree following his studies at Arizona State University, but his interest in animation reignited after he enrolled in a course at Harvard.
Allers started his animation career at Lisberger Studios in Boston, where he contributed to commercials and other endeavors like Sesame Street.
In the late 1970s, he relocated to Los Angeles and contributed to the 1980 film Animalympics as a story artist and character designer.
Two years later, he served as the storyboard artist for Disney’s animated film Tron and remained involved with the company’s animation projects, such as The Little Mermaid (1989).
That era enabled Allers to temporarily relocate to Tokyo, where he was involved in character design, animation, and narrative development for Little Nemo: Adventures In Slumberland.
Back in the United States, he also served as a storyboard artist for The Rescuers Down Under (1990) and The Prince And The Pauper (1990).
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