Roger Allers, the Oscar-contending director of animated films who jointly directed the 1994 releaseThe Lion Kingand contributed to other Disney masterpieces such asAladdin, Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid, has passed away at the age of 76.
Roger Allers was a creative genius whose numerous contributions to Disney will continue to inspire future 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 enduring.
Iger stated: “His contributions shaped a period of animation that still motivates viewers globally, and we are sincerely thankful for all he provided to Disney. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues.”
Occasionally, life brings a person into our lives who enables us to gain better insight,Lion KingProducer Don Hahn shared in a tribute. “Roger was that individual for me, and for many of us who collaborated with him. He was an exceptional person: constantly curious, full of humor, and profoundly human, always excited to share tales that highlighted the magic in life. He continues through his creations, and in the memories of all of us who were fortunate to have known him.”
The visual effects supervisor at The Walt Disney Company, Dave Bossert, recalls him as “an exceptionally talented artist and filmmaker” and a “real cornerstone of the Disney Animation revival.”
He continued to co-direct The Lion King, which became an extraordinary success, but it never affected his humility… He had a sense of awe, kindness, and excitement that inspired those nearby.
Born on June 29, 1949, in Rye, New York, Allers contributed to a number of Disney animated films, includingAladdin, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, and Rescuers Down Under. He also contributed to the development of 1982’sTron, the first major motion picture to widely incorporate computer-generated imagery.
He launched his career as a director withThe Lion KingTogether with co-director Rob Minkoff. The film was a financial hit and stood as the top-earning movie of 1994 – as well as one of the most cherished Disney animated movies ever. Allers also wrote the screenplay for the Lion King Broadway show, which led to a Tony Award nomination in 1998.
His other credits include Watership Down, Return to Never Land, Ted, Ted 2and the animated version ofKahlil Gibran’s The Prophet in 2015.
Allers is survived by his two children, Leah and Aidan, along with his partner, Genaro.