Roger Allers, Director of ‘The Lion King,’ Dies at 76

Roger Allers, the Disney Animation director famous forThe Lion King, Aladdin, The Little Mermaidand more, has passed away. He was 76.

Producer and regular collaborator Dave Bossert announced the news of Allers’ death in a statement on Sunday morning. “I am deeply saddened by the news that our friend Roger Allers has moved on to his next journey,” he began in the Facebook post.post.

We had been exchanging emails this past week while he was in Egypt, making this loss feel even more surreal,” said Bossert. “Roger was an exceptionally talented artist and filmmaker, a genuine cornerstone of the Disney Animation revival.

Bossert mentioned that Allers began his career at Disney as part of the storyboard team onTron (1982), also working on Oliver & Company (1988) and The Little Mermaid(1989) prior to taking on the role of head of story onBeauty and the Beast (1991).

I had the opportunity to be part of the team with Roger on numerous films during the late ’80s and into the ’90s,” said Bossert. “He was, without a doubt, one of the most kind-hearted individuals you could imagine working with. He later went on to co-directThe Lion King, an extraordinary success, yet it never affected his mindset.

Roger showed sincere kindness and respect to everyone, no matter their title or role. I had the opportunity to work very closely with him onThe Little Matchgirl, and it was nothing short of a delight—he carried an air of wonder, kindness, and excitement that brought joy to those around him. Roger had a happy, radiant soul, and the world feels less bright without him. Rest in peace, my friend. Until we reunite on the other side,” he added.

Born on June 29, 1949, in Rye, New York, Allers spent his childhood in Arizona, earning a degree in fine arts from Arizona State University prior to joining Lisberger Studios, where he began working onSesame Street and other projects.

Allers moved to Los Angeles to work on the 1980 animated film.Animalympicswith director Steven Lisberger, prior to working onTron. He also spent time in Tokyo while working onLittle Nemo: Voyages in Slumberland (1989).

After returning to Los Angeles in 1985, Allers began his career at Disney as a storyboard artist for movies such asOliver & Company, The Little Mermaid, The Rescuers Down Under and The Prince and the Beggar, prior to working as a co-director with Rob Minkoff onThe Lion King(1994), which earned them the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. Allers also wroteThe Lion KingThe 1998 Tony Award-winning Broadway adaptation.

Also throughout his time at Disney, Allers was involved inThe Emperor’s New Groove, Lilo & Stitch and The Little Matchgirl. He subsequently co-directed Open Season withJill Cultonfor Sony, also directing 2014’sThe Prophet.

Allers is survived by his former wife Leslee Hackenson, their daughter Leah, and their son Aidan.