Outline:
Roger Allers, a filmmaker recognized for playing a key role in the ‘DisneyThe Renaissance has passed away at the age of 76.
Most recognized for co-directing the 1994 animated movieThe Lion King Alongside Robert Minkoff, Allers also served as a screenwriter, animator, and storyboard artist.
Word of his passing was shared by a close friend and Disney coworker, Dave Bossert, who made a post onFacebook on Sunday.
He stated: ‘I am profoundly distressed by the news that our friend Roger Allers has embarked on his next phase of life.’
We had been exchanging emails this past week while he was on the moveEgypt, which makes this loss seem even more impossible.
Roger was an exceptionally talented artist and filmmaker, a genuine cornerstone of the Disney Animation revival.
Bossert – who contributed to movies such as The Black Cauldron, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Little Mermaid andAladdin, went on to explain that Allers started working at Disney creating 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 had the honor of working with Roger on several films during the late ’80s and into the ’90s, and he was, without a doubt, one of the most generous individuals you could imagine working with,’ he added.
What is the ‘Disney Renaissance’?
The term Disney Renaissance refers to the era between 1989 and 1999 when Walt Disney Animation Studios experienced a resurgence, producing numerous box office and critical hits following a challenging time during the 1970s and 1980s.
Allers participated in numerous films during the Renaissance era, which include:
- The Little Mermaid (1989) – Allers listed as a storyboard artist
- The Rescuers Down Under (1990) – Allers listed as a storyboard artist
- Beauty and the Beast (1991) – Allers listed as Head of Story
- Aladdin (1992) – Allers was given a ‘story by’ credit
- The Lion King (1994) – Allers was one of the directors
- Pocahontas (1995)
- The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)
- Hercules (1997)
- Muan (1998)
- Tarzan (1999)
He continued to co-direct The Lion King, which became a huge 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 an absolute pleasure—he brought a feeling of magic, generosity, and excitement that inspired those around him. Roger had a happy, bright spirit, and the world feels less bright without him.
In 1994, The Lion King earned $771 million (£575 million) worldwide during its initial cinema release. The 2019 version ranks among the top-grossing movies ever – generating $1.6 billion (£1.2 billion) globally.
Bossert ended the message by saying: ‘Rest in peace, my friend. Until we cross paths again on the other side.’
Additionally honoring him, Bob Iger, CEO of the Walt Disney Company, recalled Allers as a ‘creative visionary whose numerous contributions to Disney will endure for generations.’
He recognized the strength of compelling narratives – how lasting characters, feelings, and melody can unite to form something enduring.
His contributions shaped a period of animation that still influences viewers globally, and we are profoundly thankful for all he provided to Disney.
Born in Rye, New YorkIn 1949, Allers grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona, and chose to enter the field of animation following his childhood viewing of Peter Pan.
He subsequently pursued fine art at Arizona State University, before relocating toLos Angelesin 1978, and began collaborating with Disney on Tron three years after that.
After the launch of The Lion King – which achieved the top box office success for a traditionally animated film ever, Allers developed the Broadway version, which received the Tony Award for best musical.
While employed at Disney, Allers contributed to the creation of Lilo & Stitch and the narrative that would eventually evolve into The Emperor’s New Groove. Over the course of his career, he also participated in projects such as Oliver & Company, The Rescuers Down Under, and Aladdin.
Allers eventually departed from Disney and went on to contribute to Sony Pictures Animation’s inaugural film Open Season, which came out in 2006, as well as the animated short The Little Matchgirl – a production that received an Academy Award nomination for best animated short.
In 2014, he was the director of the animated movie The Prophet, featuring voice performances from Salma Hayek and Liam Neeson.
The director is survived by former wife Leslee Hackenson, their daughter Leah, and son Aidan.
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