Roger Allers, the director and animator famous for co-directing the 1994 Disney masterpiece “The Lion King,” and for his writing contributions.Tony Award-winning Broadway adaptionof the film, has passed away, according to a Disney Animation representative who commented toThe Hollywood Reporter. He was 76.
Disney CEO Bob Igerhonored Allers inan Instagram post, I felt sorrow upon hearing about Roger Allers’ death. He co-directed the 1994 film “The Lion King” and made numerous other significant contributions to Disney that will continue to be appreciated for many generations.
Iger also provided a statement that said, “Roger Allers was a creative genius whose numerous contributions to Disney will endure for many generations. He recognized the impact of compelling storytelling — how memorable characters, emotions, and music can unite to form something everlasting.”
His contributions helped shape an era of animation that still inspires people globally, and we are very thankful for all he gave to Disney,” Iger said. “Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues.
Fox News Digital contacted his Disney Animation team and his legal representatives.
Film producer and animator David Bossert, who often worked with Allers, shared news of his passing in aFacebook post Saturday.
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I am profoundly saddened by the news that our friend Roger Allers has moved on to his next journey,” Bossert wrote. “We were just exchanging emails this week while he was traveling in Egypt, which makes this loss feel even more surreal. Roger was an exceptionally talented artist and filmmaker, a true cornerstone of theDisney Animation renaissance.”
Bossert mentioned that Allers began his career at Disney by creating pre-production ideas for the 1982 science fiction action-adventure movie “Tron” and served as a storyboard artist for the animated films “Oliver & Company” from 1988 and “The Little Mermaid” in 1989, later taking on the role of head of story for “Beauty and the Beast” in 1991.
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“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, without a doubt, one of the most kind-hearted individuals you could ever wish to meet and collaborate with,” Bossert wrote.
He continued, ‘He went on to co-direct ‘The Lion King,’ which was a tremendous success, but it never affected him.’ ‘Roger showed true kindness and respect to everyone, no matter their rank or position. I collaborated closely with him on ‘The Little Matchgirl,’ and it was absolutely delightful — he had a sense of wonder, generosity, and excitement that inspired everyone around him.’
Roger possessed a cheerful, radiant personality, and the world feels darker without him,” Bossert said. “Rest in peace, my friend. Until we reunite on the other side.
Born on June 29, 1949, in Rye, New York, and raised in Scottsdale, Arizona, Allers obtained a fine arts degree from Arizona State University. In 1978, Allers relocated to Los Angeles, where he contributed to the 1980 animated TV film “Animalympics” with Steven Lisberger, who went on to direct “Tron.”
After working on animated projects in Toronto, Canada and Tokyo, Japan, Allers went back to LA in 1985 and began his career at Walt Disney Animation Studios. Along with his contributions to “Oliver & Company,””The Little Mermaid” and”Beauty and the Beast,” Allers was a member of the storyboard teams for the 1990 Disney movies “The Rescuers Down Under” and “The Prince and The Pauper.”
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He continued by collaborating with Rob Minkoff to co-direct”The Lion KIng,” released in June 1994 and achieved significant critical and financial success. “The Lion King,” which continues to hold the record as the top-grossing hand-drawn animated film ever, brought Allers and Minkoff the Golden Globe for best motion picture — musical or comedy in 1996.
The film also won two Academy Awards for best original score and best original song. Allers later worked with “The Lion King” co-screenwriter Irene Mecchi on the script for the “The Lion King” Broadway production.
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Allers and Mecchi were nominated for a Tony Award for best book of a musical, as the show received 10 other Tony Award nominations and won six, including the award for best musical.
He carried on his Disney journey by contributing to the animated movies “The Emperor’s New Groove” (2000) and “Lilo & Stitch” (2002), and directed the animated short “The Little Matchgirl” (2006). Together with Jill Culton, Allers co-directed Sony Pictures Animation’s “Open Season” (2006).
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Allers also wrote and directed the 2014 animated film “The Prophet,” which is adapted from Kahlil Gibran’s 1923 book with the same title.
He is survived by his former wife Leslee Hackenson and their daughter Leah, as well as their son Aidan.
Original article source: Co-director of ‘The Lion King’ Roger Allers passes away at 76