The animation world is in mourning following the death of Roger Allers, the acclaimed co-director of Disney's iconic 1994 film The Lion King. He was 76 years old.
A Pillar of the Disney Renaissance
The news was shared on Sunday by his close friend and longtime Disney colleague, Dave Bossert, in a heartfelt Facebook post. Bossert expressed his profound sadness, revealing that the two had been exchanging emails just the previous week while Allers was travelling in Egypt.
In his tribute, Bossert described Allers as "an extraordinarily gifted artist and filmmaker, a true pillar of the Disney Animation renaissance." He highlighted Allers' kindness and humility, noting that even the phenomenal success of The Lion King – which became the highest-grossing traditionally animated film ever – never went to his head.
Roger Allers' career at Disney began in 1981, where he first worked on pre-production concepts for the groundbreaking film Tron. He quickly ascended, serving as a story artist on Oliver & Company and The Little Mermaid, before becoming head of story on the beloved Beauty and the Beast.
A Legacy of Storytelling and Kindness
Bob Iger, Chief Executive of The Walt Disney Company, also paid tribute, calling Allers a "creative visionary whose many contributions to Disney will live on for generations to come." Iger credited him with understanding the powerful blend of character, emotion, and music that creates timeless stories.
Born in Rye, New York in 1949, Allers was raised in Scottsdale, Arizona. His path to animation was set after watching Peter Pan as a child. He studied fine art at Arizona State University before moving to Los Angeles in 1978 to pursue his dream.
Following the triumph of The Lion King, Allers wrote the Broadway musical adaptation, which went on to win the Tony Award for Best Musical. He eventually left Disney and later contributed to projects like the 2014 animated film The Prophet.
Remembered With Affection
Colleagues remember him not just for his professional brilliance, but for his character. Dave Bossert fondly recalled working with him on The Little Matchgirl, saying Allers carried "a sense of wonder, generosity, and enthusiasm that lifted everyone around him."
Bossert concluded his post with a poignant farewell: "Rest in peace, my friend. Until we meet again on the other side." The loss marks the end of an era for an artist who helped define a golden age of animation, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire audiences across the globe.
