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LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 27: (L-R) Director Roger Allers, actress Moira Kelly, and director Rob Minkoff make their way to the premiere of Walt Disney Studios’ “The Lion King 3D” at the El Capitan Theater on August 27, 2011, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
American filmmaker and screenwriter Roger Allers died at the age of 76. He served as co-director of the 1994 animated filmThe Lion Kingand had been a long-time writer for Disney.
He is said to have passed away on Saturday, January 17, at his residence in Santa Monica, California. A representative from Disney Animation shared with Hollywood Reporter that his death was unexpected, although it occurred following a brief illness.
Producer Dave Bossert also verified Allers’ death in a heartfelt message on Sunday. He mentioned that he spoke with the late director “this past week,” and discussed the “unreal” loss of his friend, writing:
I am profoundly heartbroken by the news that our friend Roger Allers has departed on his next adventure. We were exchanging emails this week while he was in Egypt, making this loss feel even more surreal.
Bossert concluded his message by stating that he has always appreciated Allers’ vibrant sports jackets and how he made this world a bit darker.
“Roger Allers helped shape a period of animation,” says Disney’s CEO.
Roger Allers holds a significant place in Disney’s legacy. He directedThe Lion King with Rob Minkoff and it became one of the best in Disney’s animated collection.
It earned $771 million worldwide upon its initial release in 1994. The 2019 version proved to be an even more successful film, grossing $1.6 billion.
Disney CEO Bob Iger recognized the contributions that Roger Allers has made to Disney.
He issued a statement on Instagram on Sunday, referring to Roger Allers as a creative visionary whose impact on Disney will endure for many generations. He stated:
He [Allers] recognized the impact of compelling storytelling—how memorable characters, emotions, and music can unite to produce something enduring. His contributions shaped a period of animation that still motivates viewers globally, and we are sincerely thankful for all he offered to Disney.
And although he might be famous for co-directingThe Ling King, he also contributed to various Disney animated films prior to that.
He helped develop Tronin the 1980s and marked the first significant motion picture to incorporate computer-generated imagery heavily.
He was involved in the creation of several Disney masterpieces –Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, The Emperor’s New Groove, and more.
Allers was also nominated for an Academy Award for the Disney animated short film he directed, which was based on Hans Christian Andersen’s original tale,The Little Matchgirl.
Allers also penned the Tony-award winning Broadway version ofThe Lion King in 1998.
The official reason for Roger Allers’ passing has not been made public yet.